Kissin' Dynamite - Addicted to Metal

It seems like more and more young bands that play “nostalgic” metal are getting signed recently. If you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane straight to 1988-1989, Kissin’ Dynamite’s second full-length release, Addicted to Metal is worth listening to.

Kissin’ Dynamite is named after a rather obscure AC/DC song. The band was originally formed in 2002 Germany as The Blues Kids. Their raison d’etre at the time was to compete in the German version of American Idol.  The band chose its name because several of its members were born after 1990. The ‘Blues’ was dropped in 2007 when these youngsters released their demo and changed their musical focus. The newly dubbed Kissin’ Dynamite released their first full length, Steel of Swabia, on EMI records in 2008. Let me reiterate that these guys are young- the band’s Myspace page actually notes that they have to schedule their gigs around their academic schedules. Regardless of their ages, these guys are well educated in the discipline of playing 80s style metal.

Upon hitting the play button the ever-familiar sound of the hammer striking the anvil will be sure to invoke fond memories. This title track is a great way to open the album. Its anthemic chorus, high pitched vocals, simple chord progression as well as the cameo by Mr. Udo Dirkschneider had me hooked.

Throughout Addicted to Metal the elements from the body of work of Slaughter and similar late 80s metal bands are prevalent: power chords, high pitched vocals, silly lyrics, and frequent use of trem bars during guitar solo breaks. Tracks like “Supersonic Killer” are remarkably enjoyable.

Vocalist Johannes Braun sounds like somewhat of a mix between Tobias Sammett and Kai Hansen. His vocal style is extremely similar to that of singers in the late 80s, including his upper register, which he makes frequent use of throughout Addicted to Metal. Lead guitarist Jim Mueller’s solos complement Braun’s vocals well - high pitched and over the top, Mueller’s sweep-picking and hammer technique is rounded out by frequent “whammies” via locking tremolo bar.

Throughout Addicted to Metal you will find that the sound is relatively homogenous - songs are simple, relatively short (the longest song is precisely 5 minutes long), and lots of fun, as noted above. The song “Hysteria” deserves mention not only due to its interesting lyrics, but for its unique chord progression. There’s also a down-tempo 80s style power ballad in “Why Can’t You Hear Me” which contains a beautifully executed key change.

Kissin’ Dynamite also show off their musical arrangement skills in a cover of “High Enough,” originally performed by the early 90s supergroup Damn Yankees. “In the Name of the Iron Fist” shows that the band’s rhythm section can handle some unique syncopation within a standard (4/4) time signature. Addicted to Metal definitely showcases that this group of young Germans has the potential to write good music in years to come.

Addicted to Metal is another album to add to the ever-growing list of 80s inspired metal releases recorded by groups of high school age Europeans in 2010. Although they don’t travel into unchartered territory on this album, Kissin’ Dynamite has released an expertly produced homage to the metal of the 80s that is sure to bring a smile to the faces of metalheads young and old. As the chorus goes in the final track, “we are one, one metal nation”.

Release Date: March 26th, 2010
Label: AFM/EMI Germany

TRACK LISTING

1.  Addicted to Metal
2.  Run for Your Life
3.  Supersonic Killer
4.  High Enough
5.  Love Me Hate Me
6.  Hysteria
7.  All Against All
8.  In the Name of Iron Fist
9.  Assassins of Love
10.  Why Can't You Hear Me
11.  We Want More
12.  Metal Nation

Total playing time:  50:25

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Reviewer: The Stream

July 23, 2010