IV [Import]

Kick Axe | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 27, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Nl Distribution
• ASIN: B0002ONB3M
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #564,547 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Right Now

2. Rockin Daze

3. Consolation

4. Turn To Stone

5. Do You Know

6. Who Knows Ya

7. Woe

8. Time

9. Slip Inside My Dream

10. Who Says

11. Rock N Roll Dog

12. Black Heart

13. City Lights

14. Only Ones Here

Editorial Reviews

Kick Axe has recorded three previous albums, performed on several motion picture soundtracks, sold over a quarter of a million records, and was arguably the best hard rock group to come out of Canada in the eighties. The members of Kick Axe always intended to re-unite when the time was right and that time is now! This new studio album features the return of Raymond Harvey on guitar and Gary Langen on vocals. The band’s sound and songwriting has matured considerably since their debut gold album "Vices", yet they have stayed true to their hard rock roots. All five members of the group have written songs for the album, which makes for a colorful and diverse listening experience. Drum warrior Brian Gillstrom’s powerful and innovative beats combine with Victor Langen’s thundering bass to lay down a solid foundation for the amazing guitar work of Larry Gillstrom and Raymond Harvey. Gary Langen, an original founder of Kick Axe, sings his heart out with powerful emotional performances that bring back memories of early Led Zeppelin, Nazareth and Bad Company. With back-up vocals provided by all members of the group, as well as guest vocalist Laurel Aura, Kick Axe IV is laced with the intricate vocal harmonies that the band has always been known for. Along with a solid set of hard rockin anthems, there are many special softer moments on the record, such as Larry Gillstrom’s haunting acoustic guitar work on Turn To Stone and Who Knows Ya, Gary’s soulful singing on the intro to Consolation, and the exotic verses of Slip Inside My Dream. The album is constantly offering surprises to the listener, whether it be Raymond Harvey’s tasteful slide guitar, the frantic dual drummers on Do You Know, the beefy B3 Hammond organ sprinkled throughout, or the ghostly harmonica wailing of guest performer Eric Norman. The members of Kick Axe consider this album to be their strongest and most honest work to date. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Seriously missing George..., September 13, 2004

By 

Cameron M. Mchargue "lugaldamhara" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: IV (Audio CD)

This gets 4 stars only because George is not here. Criston IS Kick Axe and I never really realized how much until I heard this album. The "Paradise" record sounds more like a Kick Axe record than this. Vic is a very competent singer but he doesn't have the range or the dynamics of George. There is nothing about Vic's voice that jumps out and grabs you. When you hear George, you KNOW it's George whereas Vic's style is just not mature or strong enough to have a flavor and personality all its own. Now, that being said, this is still a great record. The songwriting is more mature than the first 3 records... not as strong in a heavy sense, but more mature. The hooks and the melodies are there along with all the harmonies that one expects from this band (minus the George touch). It's refreshing to hear musicians that can play and have a great sense of melody and harmony, something that seems to be totally lacking in today's heavier music. I have to agree with the previous reviewer... definitely one of the best of 2004 if not THE best of the year.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best 2004 hard rock albums, September 8, 2004

By 

Vlado (Czech Republic) - See all my reviews

This review is from: IV (Audio CD)

My first listening to new Kick Axe album was full of expectations, but I have to say seriously I am not dissappointed. And after another listenings to the album I think that Kick Axe IV is album that is really worth purchasing. Kick Axe 2004 is very melodic hard rock with no weak points, catchy guitar riffs and melodies, the production is great, sound is impressive. My favourite tracks are "Right Now", "Rockin' Daze", "Consolation", "Who Knows Ya", "Do You Know", Slip Inside My Dream", "Rock'n'Roll Dog", "Time" and "City Lights". To compare Kick Axe 2004 with previous three albums I think this album is on the same quality level as 1984 "Vices". In my opinion Kick Axe IV is a great comeback and I give 5 stars out of 5. Kick Axe IV is music not only for Kick Axe fans, it is a music for all those who like good hard rockin' band. In my opinion this album is one of the best hard rock albums of 2004 year.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Right Now, Right On, February 2, 2005

By 

Neene "Neene" (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: IV (Audio CD)

As a new fan of Kick Axe, I'm loving this album. It's the kind of music you can have play over and over again and have it grow on you. The opening riffs start my head going. It's rather infectious. Very well done. A fresh look at the old Kick Axe sound from the 80s has created an amazing new brand of rock. A return to the past with the return of Gary and yet a deviation into the future with a new twist to their sound. Time marches on. Very glad to see that Kick Axe has progressed with the times. As a fan, my collection of Kick Axe materials (which contains all previously recorded albums) keeps growing, but this latest acquisition is one of my favorites. I love Slip Inside My Dreams and The Only Ones Here. Definitely worth checking out.