KISSIN' DYNAMITE

If it's well played and written with sizeable hooks I'm usually a sucker for this good time traditional/power metal stuff, be it EDGUY, DREAM EVIL, FIREWIND, or, as recently noted, SABATON. In the case of "Addicted to Metal" by Germany's KISSIN' DYNAMITE the times are indeed good; the style a blend of '80s hair metal and traditional metal with the occasional power metal nod; and the songwriting, well, not as good as it could be, but with some highlights to be sure.

Beginning the album with a title track that features guest vocals from Udo Dirkschneider (U.D.O., ACCEPT) is not a bad way to open the proceedings and the song itself isn't too shabby either as one reminiscent of DREAM EVIL's ACCEPT reinterpretations. The boys really kick up their, uh, heels on the next and best track, "Run for Your Life", a cross between SCORPIONS (most popular era) and any number of '80s hair/glam metal acts. From there on things get spotty. The spirit and fun are present, as is the occasional hot riff and solo, but the songwriting wavers from bland to decent. "Supersonic Killer" is decent in an EDGUY kind of way, as is "Metal Nation" and, believe it or not, the SLAUGHTER-by-way-of- MÖTLEY-CRÜE-by-way-of-WINGER lipstick 'n leather of "Hysteria", the ill-fitting piano break notwithstanding. Another DREAM EVIL-y cut called "In the Name of the Iron Fist" ain't half bad and the detour into HAMMERFALL territory on "All Against All" works surprisingly well. The album hits a few potholes though in the form of "Assassins of Love", "We Want More", and the pop metal of "Love Me Hate Me", all of which are little more than tolerable. The FIREHOUSE/WARRANT balladry of "Why Can't You Hear Me" falls flat and the cover of DAMN YANKEES' "High Enough" was just a very, very bad decision; a bonus track maybe, but four songs into the proper album? Big mistake.

"Addicted to Metal" is still a likeable album and those listening exclusively to the style will probably enjoy it more than I did. The main problem is one of too many mediocre songs slowing momentum and holding "Addicted to Metal" down. The heart says a 6; the head says a 5.5.