SKID ROW — Slave To The Grind (review)

SKID ROW — Slave To The Grind album cover Album · 1991 · Heavy Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
Stephen
Skid Row exploded to the scene with their sensational eponymous debut and they're back again with Michael Wagener to record the follow-up album in 1991. The sophomore release, "Slave To The Grind" marked a change in their sound with a heavier and thrashier edge. The cover album was painted by Bach's father and this album is also set a new record for being the first heavy metal album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200, a record which was later achieved by Metallica's "Black Album" and GNR's "Use Your Illusion II".

From the opener, "Monkey Business", to heavier tracks such as the title track, "Psycho Love", and "Riot Act", Bach proudly unleashed his crazy scream accompanied by Skid Row's signature groove which later inspired many newer singers and bands. You can hear the raging madness in "Get The Fuck Out" when Bach screech the words : "No need to whimper, no need to shout, this party's over!". If you still prefer their earlier sound, "The Threat" got the debut's feel and also a nice track. "Quicksand Jesus" is a very good ballad but sadly is unpopular compared to the timeless classic, "Wasted Time". But I believe "In A Darkened Room" is their best ballad ever penned, a passionate song that reflected anguish and fear delivered perfectly by Bach.

"Slave To The Grind" is a great album to have, especially if you're into glam and thrash at the same time. You can hear Bach's optimal performance and the band's songwriting peak on this album. To me, Skid Row's debut is still unbeatable, either the sales record or personal preference, but the first two albums are essentials to have and stand as the last fortress of glam metal.
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