MALICE (CA) — License To Kill (review)

MALICE (CA) — License To Kill album cover Album · 1986 · US Power Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Stephen
"License To Kill" showed Malice's more mature approach, a bit of commercial bite, but still riding on the same Judas Priest avenue, unleashing the ear-slashing screamer and a sharp double guitar riffs salvo. James Neal's voice is very close to Rob Halford or like a high-pitch version of Bruce Dickinson while Reynolds and Zane are both heavily influenced by the Tipton/Downing style. Based on the year of its release, 1986, "License To Kill" is more in the veins of Priest's "Vengeance" or "Defenders", and maybe a slight influence from Dokken's "Tooth and Nail" era, so if you like the albums, chance that you will like this as well.

Several of my favorite tracks here are the flaming opener, "Sinister Double", the title track, "Chain Gang Woman", and "Breathin' Down Your Neck". Other valuable tracks to check out are "Against The Empire" and "Murder" that's executed in the traditional way of heavy metal. "Vigilante" and "Christine" actually have the potential with good riffs but suffered with an average chorus, and "Circle of Fire" is the worst track here with a disappointing composition and Neal's overkill squeal.

This disc used to be rare and expensive but after Wounded Birds' reissue version available at market, you can buy it for a cheaper price compared to the original press, and for fans of mid-80s heavy metal, "License To Kill" is a good addition to your collection.
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