Warlock were formed by Rudy Graf, Peter Szigeti, Michael Eurich, and Frank Rittel in Düsseldorf , Germany in 1982. They found a singer, Doro Pesch, and convinced her to leave the band Snakebite. Warlock played live all over Germany in 1983, gathering fan support, and then recorded a demo in late 1983, which got them signed to Mausoleum Records and later Polydor. In 1987 Warlock managed to make their breakthrough in Europe with their fourth album 'Triumph And Agony'. It also marked the end of an era for the band. Former members Peter Szigeti (Guitars) and Frank Rittel joined Udo Dirksneider on U.D.O.'s 'Animal House'. After many, many lineup changes in Warlock, keeping only Doro Pesch as a constant, legal troubles with a former member led the "fifth Warlock album", 'Force Majeure', to be released under the Doro name. Since then, she has continued a solo career under the name Doro.
BURNING THE WITCHES (1984) MAUSOLEUM/MERCURY
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Line-up: Doro Pesch - Vocals Peter Szigeti - Guitars Rudy Graf - Guitars Frank Rittel - Bass Michael Eurich - Drums |
Can you believe that this album was recorded back in 1983? Wow, time flies fast! But then again, this might be one of the gems from back then that really haven't stood the test of time so well. The entire album just screams for a remastering! But make no mistake about it, when this was a new release, we all thought it ROCKED! Doro is the true queen of metal, and here she proved to be just as tough as the guys were. Today it's almost no big deal with female metal singers, but back in 1984 she was one of the very few that even dared to do it. And then to do it on the men's own terms, that was even more scarce. Her voice is dirty and powerful, yet with a female touch as well. 'Burning The Witches' was the bands debut album. It is a solid rocker, albeit a bit dated now. Mostly sound wise. Some of the songs are still as good as in 1984, and the album as a whole will always be a metal classic.
Rock trivia: Rumors back when this was a new release would have it that Doro couldn't speak a word of English when she recorded this album. She just memorized the words, and sang it like she was told to! Not sure how true this was, but it is a funny side note.
Killer tracks: Burning The Witches, Without You, Metal Racer
TRUE AS STEEL
(1986) PHONOGRAM/MERCURY
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Line-up: Doro Pesch - Vocals Peter Szigeti - Guitar
Niko Arvanitis - Guitar Micheal Eurich - Drums |
Doro and the boys became quite popular during the mid-80's. 'True As Steel' was the bands 3rd outing. It's a more polished band we meet here, but I guess that is mostly due to better production. And of course more experience haven't exactly hurt them either. After all, Doro was quite young when she joined Warlock. Even so, this is not a band that has sold out, or tried to commercialize their sound. They still deliver guitar-driven, hungry 80's heavy metal in the vain of their German brothers, in acts such as Scorpions and Accept. And believe me, back in 1986 Warlock was as praised as any of these mentioned contemporaries! And why shouldn't they have been? Just listen to classics, such as "Fight For Rock" and "True As Steel". This might just as well be the bands shining moment!
Killer tracks: Mr. Gold, Fight For Rock, True As Steel, Love Song, Igloo On The Moon (Reckless)
TRIUMPH AND AGONY (1987) VERTIGO
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Line-up : Doro Pesch - Vocals Niko Arvanitis - Guitars Tommy Bolan - Guitars Tommy Henriksen - Bass Michael Eurich - Drums |
Warlock could never seem to keep a steady line-up. So for this, the bands last effort, they had brought in a new guitarist, and a new bass-player. 'Triumph And Agony' became a huge sales success for Warlock, and spawned 3 singles in "All We Are", "East Meets West" and the beautiful ballad, "Für Immer". "Metal Tango" could also be viewed on MTV's Headbanger's Ball all the time. The album definitely has a much more commercial sheen, both in production, and in the songwriting department. But to call this a sell-out, when we get treated to one of the band speedier metal numbers, "Touch Of Evil", is just wrong. Mentioned "Metal Tango" is typical 80's cheeze, but I still love it! I also love the anthemic "All We Are". But there are also some fillers present on this CD. So when push comes to show, 'Triumph And Agony' might not be my favorite Warlock album, but it's one I enjoy nonetheless.
Killer tracks: All We Are, I Rule The Ruins, Metal Tango, Für Immer
RARE DIAMONDS (1991)
VERTIGO/PHONOGRAM
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This is an OK compilation CD. Nothing more, nothing less. It's great to have some of her best tracks, both from Warlock and Doro's solo career, on one album. One can always debate the actual content on these albums, and personally I really miss "Metal Tango" here, but this will only be a personal matter of taste in the end. It's great to have another metal album my wife puts on even if I'm not at home! :) I also love the cover art on this compilation.
Doro Pesch guest appearances:
U.D.O. - 'Man And Machine'
Powergod - 'Bleed For The Gods: That's Metal - Lesson 1'
Twisted Sister - 'A Twisted Christmas'
Niko Arvanitis guest appearances:
Powergod - 'Bleed For The Gods: That's Metal - Lesson 1'
Peter Szigeti guest appearances:
Powergod - 'Bleed For The Gods: That's Metal - Lesson 1'
Related artists:
Doro, U.D.O., Rage, Rainbow, Sun Red Sun, Black Sabbath, Scorpions, Riot, Quiet Riot
