ZODIAC MINDWARP AND THE LOVE REACTION-HOODLUM THUNDER-

Released in January 1991 this is the higly sought after second album from frenzy Hard/sleaze/industrial rock bad boy Zodiac Mindwarp and his love reaction.

Originated from UK his real name is Mark Manning, a former graphic artist who, just fed up of the Life he was living, created his alter ego, Zodiac Mindwarp, determind to Live the debauchery Life as a rock´n´roll star. They got signed to Food Label a part of Phonogram records and made their debut with single ” Wild Child”. The full lenght album hit the desks in 1988. A fist in everyones face.

Having toured with Guns´n´roses, Alice Cooper in the US they failed to drag their album with them. They were dropped by the record Company with millions in debt..no one would touch them, even with a ten foot pole. But as Always things turnaround and a new deal saw the second album release in ´91. This time the Grunge wave was sweeping the World and if you were playing anything that reminded the public of ´80´s metal you were doomed. Again timing is everything….

This is a sad story because this album is more mature, better produced and in some sense a fortune teller on whats to come. The style swings a bit from jagged rock to early signs of the industrial sound which was to become very big in the early ´00´s. Very solid songs. The take on “Feed My Frankenstein” a co written piece with Mr. Cooper shows that Zodiac wasn´t so far from stardom. Standout tunes would be “Elvis died for you”, “Feed My Frankenstein”, “Trash Madonna” and “Hoodlum Thunder”. No song falls off the wagon but there are mood swings.

Whatabout the drummer, Slam Thunderhide (real name Stephen Landrum)?? Nothing bad really and on the other hand not really good either. I just feel a bit ambivalent about his input. On the upper side the striking and delivery all suits well but there´s a lack of something I cannot put my finger on. Curious…

Should you get this album? If you´re into hard/sleaze/industrial rock with a bit of glam sprinkled on it you feel right at home. A great party album. On the other hand, if you don´t have heard Zodiacs first Album then the advice would be to start there. No regrets.. 🙂

VINYLRATING/GRADE

6-GOOD!-WORTH BUYING-