PLATINUM – Iceman (1990) [Rare Albums]

As requested, here’s the only – and quite rare – CD from American rockers PLATINUM titled “Iceman“. The band recorded a demo in 1989 for shopping labels, and while resulted pretty difficult to get a deal in the overcrowded US scene, the 5-piece finally did it the next year.
PLATINUM hails from New Jersey, but the album was recorded in Canada, and then released by a German label. A lot of struggle, but it was worth it.
“Iceman” enlisted virtuoso guitarist Vick LeCar (who later worked with Joe Lynn Turner among others) and their music is pure American metal with a glam touch (take a look at the band’s picture below).
It’s riff-driven, groovy classic US metal with melody, some keyboard flourishes to provide melody, and even there’s cowbell on the catchiest songs.

One of the good things on “Iceman” is consistency: all the 11 tracks here are good, strong melodic metallic tunes backed by competent performances.
Of course there’s a lot solos to boot, but not all is about rapid rockers; the band expand the arrangements with interesting passages, including atmospheric acoustic guitars and pianos. At places, musically, they reminded me of Armored Saint.
Production is fine for an indie, as well mix & mastering.

While PLATINUM disbanded the next year, they were popular in the East coast and “Iceman” sold well, especially in Europe, with “Iceman” being much sought after by collectors.
Highly Recommended

01 – Iceman
02 – Blind Lead The Blind
03 – Freedom Fighters
04 – Still In Love With You
05 – Straight Through The Heart
06 – Here To Fight
07 – Clock Strikes Twelve
08 – Give It All You Got
09 – Cut Me Loose
10 – Middle Of The Night
11 – Do Ya

Vincent James – Vocals
Dean Afrett – Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals
Vick LeCar – Lead Guitars
Mike Michaels – Bass, Backing Vocals
Don Versailles – Drums, Keyboards, Backing Vocals

Out Of Print