As happened with many bands, SSSTEELE – a well known East Coast hard rock band that still have a large underground following today – started as a cover band in the early ’80s. With a heavy run up and down the coast of New Jersey, SSSTEELE opened for such acts as Twisted Sister, Dokken, White Tiger, and many others, just to name a few.
After a few years on the cover scene, Jeff Merrell (vocals), future Ted Poley guitarist Maz Mazza, and Eddie Patey (bass), decided to go original adding guitarist Donny Fierro (White Tiger) and Danny Beada (drums). Eddie Patey was later replaced with Joey Springer (bass player from White Tiger). For a short run, Eric Ferro (drummer for White Tiger as well) also joined SSSTEELE on drums.
The band recorded several own composed songs for their debut album “Kings Of Steele” in 1990 produced by Dae Bennett (Tony Bennett’s Son) taped at Hillside Studios Englewood, NJ, only released locally.
As requested, here’s the ProgAOR Records release of that original Eighties tapes, a pretty killer album musically similar to BLACK N’ BLUE, HURRICANE, DOKKEN, early ICON, etc.
SSSTEELE songwriting is very good for the genre, driven by the terrific licks of future Ted Poley and others guitarist Maz Mazza (a.k.a Steve, Steven Mazza). Jeff Merrell had a deep and scratchy voice in the style of Ron Keel or Kevin Dubrow with also similarities with Blackie Lawless at places.
“Don’t beg me” which opens the album is a very raw and punchy piece of hard rock which in the hands of Black N’ Blue coulda been a hit. “Ain’t got no money” is the kind of rocker that ruled the US scene, in the style of Twisted Sister or Roxx Gang, just like “Rock got Heavy” a more bluesy hard rocker track with its Great White riffs.
“Eighty Eight” turn things more glammy with some Mötley Crüe, and I hear a WASP commercial side all over “Flying into tears”. “Murder by volume” is harder and will make you think of Riot. Title track “Kings of steele” rock hard with a more traditional hard rock bounce than the other cuts, while “Get ready to bunk” is all about fun with its party ready riff / chorus.
SSSTEELE was a band with a lot of potential that never moved to LA, hence, a chance of being watched by a major label. I’m sure they would have been signed as their songs & musicianship are second to none.
Highly Recommended
You’ve seen it first at plotn08
01 – Don’t Beg Me
02 – Ain’t Got No Money
03 – Eighty Eight
04 – Flying Into Tears
05 – Jokers Wild
06 – Road Racer
07 – Murder By Volume
08 – Kings Of Steele
09 – Get Ready To Bunk
10 – Rock Got Heavy
11 – Battle Cry
Jeff Merrell (vocals)
Maz Mazza (Ted Poley, 40ft) (lead guitar)
Donny Fierro (rhythm guitar)
Joey Springer (White Tiger) (bass)
Wyrowski (bass)
Eddie Patey (bass)
Eric Ferro (White Tiger) (drums)
John Brinkers (drums)
Eric Spanburg (drums)
Danny Beada (drums)
SSSTEELE – Kings Of Steele 2015 / 2022
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