Notes
Digitally remastered and expanded edition including 16 page full color booklet that contains a 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork with previously unseen photos, band involvement and new interviews. Canadian rock has always been highly regarded amongst discerning heavy metal fans. In general, the quality of the craftsmanship, songwriting and playing is, in many respects, superior to any other country in the world, lending the acts an air of confidence and accomplishment that has always impressed. Kick Axe were, it must be said, one of the best Canadian hard rock acts that emerged during the early eighties, rubbing shoulders with other hot contenders such as Helix, Coney Hatch and Anvil to name but a few. The Saskatchewan based five piece were initially formed by two brothers, that's Larry and Brian Gillstrom, together with bassist Victor Langen, all spurred on by the onslaught of British metal acts such as Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. Their intention was to craft a unit that embraced all the cut and thrust of the original genre, while injecting their sound with a melodic and contemporary edge. Signing to CBS Records in Canada the band was then, surprisingly, taken under the wing of Pasha Records in the USA, home of multiplatinum sellers Quiet Riot. Produced by Spencer Proffer (Quiet Riot, King Kobra, W.A.S.P.) and originally issued in 1984, the album contains a sterling selection of tracks that place the band center stage in the burgeoning mid 80s hard rock renaissance, and give vocalist George Criston room to impress at every turn. As a prime example of 24 Karat Canadian rock, Vices takes no prisoners and lays down the law with focussed intent.
