UMUR
"Steeler" is the debut full-length studio album by US heavy metal act Steeler. The album was released through Shrapnel Records in September 1983. Steeler formed in 1981 and had their beginnings in Nashville, Tennessee. They soon relocated to the thriving heavy rock/metal scene of the early 80s Los Angeles, California. Steeler only released this debut album and disbanded in 1984, when lead vocalist/guitarist Ron Keel formed his own band Keel. Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen (who would later have a prolific solo career) had already left to join Alcatrazz in late 1983.
Stylistically the material on the 9 tracks, 36:54 minutes long album is relatively standard heavy rock/metal (contemporary artists like W.A.S.P. and Quiet Riot aren´t the worst comparisons) and while the songs are well composed, it´s predominantly an album worth listening to because Keel has a strong voice and a skilled delivery and of course for the blistering lead guitar work from Malmsteen, who already this early on (he was only 19 when he recorded this album) showed great skills and occasionally the neo-classical touch to his playing, that he would later be known for. He even gets his own "Eruption" moment during the first three minutes of "Hot on Your Heels", which is more than anything a showcase for his considerable skills.
The album features a relatively thin but not completely powerless production job, which is decent enough and in any case this type of sound production isn´t unusual for the time and music style. Upon conclusion this debut (and sole album) release from Steeler is a decent quality heavy rock/metal album but it´s not exactly a seminal album in the style. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.