Search - Kick Axe :: Rock the World

Probably the best Kick Axe album...and that's saying somethi

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 01/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally released in 1986, Rock the World was the third (and for a long time, final) album from too often overlooked Canadian hard rockers Kick Axe. How this band never achieved more mainstream success is a mystery to me, as they are as good if not better than most of their 80's era peers.



Rock the World straddles that fine line between hard rock and heavy metal, and they do it in a way that should appeal to both camps. I suppose Kick Axe's sound was closer to hard rock, but it's got an edge and an epic quality that most "hair bands" never had. The music is melodic and accessible, but still hard hitting. The closest equivalents are probably Leatherwolf, Dokken, and to some extent Fifth Angel. The whole album rocks, but my favorite songs are the title track, "Warrior", "The Dark Crusade" and the completely awesome cover of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain". I'm not a Fleetwood Mac fan by any means, but I have to admit that is a terrific song, especially in the hands of a band like Kick Axe.



Rock the World works on just about every possible level. It's at least close to "must have" status as an 80's rock album, commercial metal album, and Canadian rock album. Seriously, if you're a fan of any/all of these genres, you really need to have some Kick Axe in your collection, and Rock the World may be the best of the bunch.



NOTE: Rock the World was reissued in 2005 by MTM Classix. The album features digitally remastered sound and the bonus studio track "Piece of the Rock".



Track Listing:



1. Rock the World

2. The Chain

3. Red Line

4. Devachan

5. Warrior

6. We Still Remember

7. Great Escape

8. Medusa

9. The Dark Crusade

10. Magic Man

11. Piece of the Rock (bonus track)

"