TKO – Below The Belt [Rock Candy remastered +1] (2016)

The Rock Candy ‘Remastered & Reloaded’ batch of TKO‘s albums ends with the underrated “Below The Belt“, a record that always reminded me of Helix’s mid-80s stuff.

TKO’s very existence always appeared to be on the brink of implosion but, miraculously, the band nearly always pulled through, picking up the pieces just when the final curtain call seemed inevitable.
The credit for this determination to keep pushing TKO forward must be laid at the feet of vocalist and band leader Brad Sinsel who doggedly refused to give up the fight even when defeat was staring him in the face.

Looking to capitalise on the band’s previous album and the positive critical feedback it received, Brad assembled another revised line up and looked to update their musical style with bolder and better riffs.
Once again produced by Rick Kefer at his studio in Hawaii, the record succeeded on several levels.

The songs were hard hitting and precise, whilst the playing took no prisoners, mining a raw but melodic seam reminiscent of Ratt, Helix and Quiet Riot whilst always acknowledging that the hooks needed to punch home a message.
The band found a fresh new home for this record with premiere independent label Roadrunner Records.

Once again, the critical reception was wildly enthusiastic, complimenting the band on their potent yet melodic approach that left no stone unturned in an effort to maximise the music’s impact.
Sadly however, sales were not strong enough to push the band to the next level. Again, another example of an act that, despite putting up a valiant fight, was forever destined to be a highly influential footnote in the hard rock ‘cult bands’ hall of fame.

Recorded in the mid-80s, that ‘big’ production style is present all over including some Simmons drums (electronic) alongside Ken Mary’s (House Of Lords, Fifth Angel) great skin bashing, and the band show an improved songwriting adding catchy choruses to the proceedings.
Anyway, all the hallmarks of classic TKO are present: Brad Sinsel’s gritty streetweary vocals, sharp guitar riffs and memorable, catchy, well written tunes.

For the most part, “Below The Belt” sounds like a slick-produced version of previous TKO album ‘In Your Face’, with a typical style of middle ’80s US hard rock.
The original mix / mastering was not the best, pretty improved in this Rock Candy reissue including the anthemic bonus track ‘One Of The Boys’ not present on the LP, which, by the way, is a pre-production demo with good quality.
Be aware there’s a fake version – not remastered and with wrong song titles – floating the web.

1. Beware The Hunter
2. With My Back To The Wall
3. Below The Belt
4. Can’t Let Go
5. Chains Don’t Change
6. Rock N’ Roll Remains
7. Seventeen
8. Doin’ Time
9. Fallin’ To Pieces
10. Sticks N’ Stones
11. One Of The Boys (bonus track)

Brad Sinsel – vocals
Kjarten Kristoffersen – guitar
Adam Bomb – guitar
Scott The Bitch Earl – bass
Ken Mary – drums

BUY IT !
www.nehrecords.com/shop/TKOBelow.htm
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