BAD MATRIX – Dangerous Game (2025) HQ *0dayrox Exclusive*
only for Contributors
“Dangerous Game” is the debut album of melodic hard rock 5-piece BAD MATRIX, released by Kivel Records on physical CD only, and featured in exclusive at 0dayrox.
In fact, BAD MATRIX originally formed in late 1988 by guitarist Rob Sa as a Melodic Hard Rock, Commercial, AOR recording project. After much interest from the UK arm of Warner-Chappell in 1990, they requested the formation of a full band to perform live and record songs for them. Interest from Warner-Chappell remained high throughout this process with demo songs delivered, however the recession bit deep in the UK and a meeting was called whereby Warner-Chappell informed of their decision to massively reduce their new band roster which included BAD MATRIX. As a result, after a handful of warm-up public performances, the band split in 1992.
Fast forward to 2023 when Lorenzo Sanz of Top Artist Promotion and Jacqui Sas (wife of guitarist Rob) finally convinced Rob to re-record and reinvent the songs now, with a view to reigniting the project. Rob once again assembled some high calibre musicians, including young shouter Piotr Zaleski and seasoned keyboardist Paul Morris (Rainbow, Bonfire, From the Fire).
So the songs on “Dangerous Game” were written in 1988/89 with all the magic from the era. As soon as the catchy hookladen opener ‘Masquerade’ blasts through the speakers you have a big smile on your face, because this is prime time late ’80s Melodic Hard Rock at it’s very best, sounding close to the heydays of HEAVEN’S EDGE, RED DAWN, KNOW ILLUSION, FIREHOUSE, even STRYPER, and the countless other bands that ruled American radio (and MTV) during the late 80s / early 90s.
After that stunning opener, we get to hear many more great melodic hard rockers driven by precise guitars and keyboards taking a role much more relevant than filling melodies – ivory runs define many of the songs in the David Rosenthal (Red Dawn) style.
BAD MATRIX also adds to the mix a strong AOR factor, such as the on catchy ‘Hole In My Heart’, title track ‘Dangerous Game’, ‘My Resort’ (featuring awesome guitar vs keyboard solo’s at the end of the song) and ‘Heaven Above’.
All together reminds you, besides the aforementioned acts, not only the American sound of the genre, but also early ’90s UK Melodic Rock sound like BURN, LITTLE ANGELS, KICK, MORITZ, etc, which is not that strange considering the songs were written during those times.
Don’t miss this comeback of a band which now seems to have a bright future that makes up for their missed opportunity 35 years ago.
Highly Recommended
01 – Masquerade
02 – Hole In My Heart
03 – Taking It Out On Me
04 – Dangerous Game
05 – Kiss Of Life
06 – Heaven Above
07 – Guilty Heart
08 – My Regret
09 – Heaven Sent
Rob Sa – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Paul Morris – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Phil Crombie – Bass
Piotr Zaleski – Lead Vocals
Paul Mallyon – Drums
BUY
www.kivelrecords.com/store/product/bad-matrix-dangerous-game/
