Icon was formed in 1981 in the state of Arizona (USA). At that time the band consisted of Dan Wexler (Guitar), John Alkyne (Guitar), Stephen Clifford (Vocals), Tracy Wallach (Bass), and Pat Dixon (Drums). The members were still in school (perhaps that's why at first the band was called The Schoolboys), and on weekends they were playing in small bars and theaters in their city. They were also busy recording a demo of their songs, one of which came at the hands of producer Mike Varney, who manages to get them signed to Capitol Records. So in 1984 Icon recorded their first full-length album, simply entitled 'Icon'. Sales were good in the boys local areas, but failed to make an impact on the wider scenes. Soon the band followed up with a second effort, the Eddie Kramer produced 'Night Of The Crime' (1985). The sales weren't to the record companies expectations, so they dropped the band. That led to a split for vocalist Steve Clifford, who was replaced by Jerry Harrison. The band then took it upon themselves to self finance their third album. 'A More Perfect Union' only came out on LP in 1987, and didn't see the light of day as a CD release in 1995 (under the new title 'An Even More Perfect Union'). In 1989 John Zazula of Megaforce Records heard their latest work and signed them to record a new album: 'Right Between The Eyes'. Despite having quality, and what it takes to succeed, the band was always had surrendered by bad luck, ending in a final separation in 1991.

NIGHT OF THE CRIME (1985, 2005) ROCK CANDY RECORDS

Why is it that some bands holds all the ingredients that would point towards world domination, yet end up virtually unknown? Icon is such a band. They were signed to a major label, used profiled producers, and they were all skilled musicians. Their brand of melodic metal should have easily sold as many albums as the Quiet Riot and Dokken's out there. Yet, how many Icon songs can you name from the top of your head?

'Night Of The Crime' was the bands second album. It was produced by Eddie Kramer, mixed by Ron Nevison, and released on Capitol Records in 1985. Apparently the band was on the verge of a breakdown while recording it, and vocalist, Stephen Clifford, left the band shortly thereafter.

The music is time typical melodic heavy metal. The catchy tunes are guitar driven, and the softer tunes are seasoned with a keyboard background. Stephen has a silky smooth voice, with that edgy touch. Ballads and rockers go hand in hand, as it should be back then. Dan Wexler's guitar work could easily match that of George Lynch (Dokken) or Vito Bratta (White Lion). What makes Icon stick out for me is the fact that they had it all, yet seemed to go nowhere. Songs like "Raise The Hammer", "Out For Blood" and "Danger Calling" are true, underrated hard rock classics! And most of the ballads are very good too. This kind of pop-influenced metal can easily become predictable and overproduced. 'Night Of The Crime' balances it all perfectly. Sure, they could have taken away the keyboards, but that is just my personal taste. As long as the songs work as well as they do here, there is little to complaint about.

'Night Of The Crime' was remastered, and reissued, through Rock Candy Records, in 2005. The extensive new booklet comes with new photos and lengthy liner-notes, written by Derek Oliver and Dante Bonutto.

Killer tracks: Danger Calling, Out For Blood, Raise The Hammer, Hungry For Love, Rock My Radio

RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES (1989) MEGAFORCE/ATLANTIC

Icon was a part of the MTV generation of American melodic heavy metal bands, with a sound close to acts such as Fifth Angel, Dokken and Loudness. And although they never got the recognition some of their contemporaries did, despite being signed to major labels, they still delivered some very memorable albums for sure. It seemed as though the band was struck with a fair share of bad luck. After recording 2 albums for Capitol Records, they suddenly found themselves without a recording contract for a 3rd effort. They decided to release the album themselves. John Zazula then took the band under his wings, and the bands 4th album was recorded for his Megaforce label. I can't say that I've heard the bands first 3 albums, so I can't compare 'Right Between The Eyes' to any of them, yet. But what I can say is that this is some terrific melodic metal! Of course there is nothing groundbreaking here, but the band could write some catchy songs. Rockers and ballads are evenly distributed throughout the CD, and they even treat us to an epic-like tune in "Holy Man's War". The band made a video for "Taking My Breath Away", easily the most memorable tune on the album. Icon represents the "safe" side of heavy metal, and I'm never sure if these bands wrote the music because they loved it, or because they were hoping to cash in on a trend. Nevertheless, I find myself enjoying most of 'Right Between The Eyes', and especially Dan's guitar-work. Alice Cooper also makes a guest appearance in 2 of the tracks (Icon's guitar-player, Dan Wexler, would later co-write songs for Cooper's 'The Last Temptation' album, and play on a couple of them too). 'Right Between The Eyes' was to be the last album from Icon. Thanks to Kieran for hooking me up with this CD!

Killer tracks: Right Between The Eyes, Taking My Breath Away, Forever Young

Dan Wexler guest appearances:

Alice Cooper - The Last Temptation' (also as writer)

Alice Cooper - 'A Fistful Of Alice' (also as writer)

Pretty Maids - 'Jump The Gun' (as songwriter)

Icon members also play/have played with:

Lizzy Borden