Banshee - Take 'em By Storm (Snowblind) 1992
1. Color Me (3:32)
2. Fight (3:55)
3. Memories (4:28)
4. Running Wild (4:46)
5. Stand Strong (3:44)
6. The Spell (3:50)
7. Desire (5:11)
8. Livin' It Up (5:44)
9. Locked Inside (4:17)
10. Out For Love (4:17)
11. Live For Music (The Slam) (4:29)
Banshee are a traditional, American heavy metal band with slight pop metal leanings. "Take 'em By Storm" was the band's third release. The band had previously been on Atlantic Records, but were dropped by a label looking for instant gratification and success. As such, Banshee forged ahead on an independent band.
For the most part, Banshee fall on the heavy side of straight-and-narrow traditional metal. However, songs like "Color Me", lean towards the pop side of the metal spectrum. The song is an anthem that starts off with a heavy riff, but then immediately slows the momentum with a Van Halen-esque hard rock riff during the first verse. The song builds to a catchy, sing-along chorus, "color me, oh color metal, through the night like a light, my music lets me see, color me, oh color metal, this is rock and roll and you can set me free." The chorus lets loose into a lethal guitar solo. Likewise, "Livin' It Up" and album closer "Live for Music (The Slam)" have that same anthem-esque quality. I'd describe these songs as a blend of Armored Saint and Motley Crue.
Songs such as "Running Wild", "Fight", "Locked Inside" and "Stand Strong" are more straight-forward heavy metal. "Running Wild", in both name and riffs, sports a bit of a Judas Priest vibe. Tommy Lee Flood has a versatile voice with a bit of grit for the heavier numbers, but he can also break out in a more melodic manner when needed. Of course, any American heavy metal band worth their stock in Aqua Net must have a ballad. "Memories" is a typical 80's style power ballad complete with melancholy chorus and melodic guitar solo. Frankly, the song feels a bit out of place on the album. Otherwise, I found this little underground gem to be a very enjoyable classic metal album.