KiLLeR DWaRfS formed early in the ’80s, and released two albums in their native Canada until CBS picked up the band and signed them to Epic Records for their first international LP, 1988’s ”Big Deal”. As requested, here’s the expanded reissue by Sony Music Special Products as part of their Metal Works Headbangers Series. There’s ‘6 Big Bonus Tracks’, songs taken from KILLER DWARFS third (fifth overall) and final album for Epic.
In short, ”Big Deal” has the hooks galore you need into an ’80s hair metal / hard rock – and we mean hook after hook. Often compared with compatriots Helix, but also Skid Row and Dokken, KILLER DWARFS had their very own sound. And ”Big Deal” has that huge, big budget production needed to make these choruses n’ hooks shine.
“Tell Me Please” starts things off and while I admit, there are some better album opening songs out there, this one does its job in setting the mood for the party which is to come.
Following is the track which was considered to be the single from the album, “We Stand Alone.” For me, this was a unifying song for metalheads, letting the world know that we stand alone and if the world didn’t like it, then it’s their problem. I can also understand why the song was considered pop metal. It’s not raw in the eyes of some metalheads but has a very melodic catchy vibe to it.
Right after the single comes the hidden gem, “Startin’ to Shine” This is more hard rocking and the melodic chorus is very catchy. Things go even harder with the short but to the point with “Breakaway.” Mike Dwarf does some cool riffing on this one.
On “Union of Pride” you get a great guitar solo from Mike and some cool drum fills from Darrell. I might as well say it now but every song is powered by the vocals of Russ. He definitely is the driving force behind the album.
“Lifetime” is a mighty explosion of hard rock with edge which for me dismisses the power pop label some have given to the band. I love that intro, Mike deserves greater recognition as a guitar player and we can’t forget the bass of Ron. Both are strong on this one.
Then “Power” lives up to its name. It’s a fast paced tune indeed. “I’m Alive” might not have the fury of the previous, with the melody is strong as hell. It’s more of a bluesy vibe but the power chords, vocals, rhythm section and guitar solo check all the boxes. It’s the second hidden gem on the album.
If you thought “Power” was a furious song, then you should definitely check out the penultimate “Burn It Down.” This is US metal and the Dwarfs pull it off with considerable ease. This is one song for the mosh pit and the lyrics have me looking for a lighter. Oh not really but I wouldn’t be surprised if the PMRC said this song encouraged arson. “Desperados” is a blinder of a closing song, taking the album up in a very upbeat way.
The bonus tracks are from KILLER DWARFS final 1992 album for Epic, for many considered the band’s best. The songs are mature, elaborated hard rock with melody.
A really good, underrated band from the golden ’80s, which keeps rocking until today with many shows booked for this summer.
Highly Recommended
Original Album:
01. Tell Me Please
02. We Stand Alone
03. Startin' To Shine
04. Breakaway
05. Union Of Pride
06. Lifetime
07. Power
08. I'm Alive
09. Burn It Down
10. Desperados
Bonus Tracks:
11. Hard Luck Town
12. Just As Well
13. Driftin' Back
14. All My Heroes
15. Stranger Than Fiction
16. Four Seasons
Killer Dwarfs – Big Deal (Plus 6 Big Bonus Tracks) 2000, lossless+MP3
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