FOZZY - Happenstance
August 29, 2002, 22 years ago
(Megaforce)
As everyone knows, Fozzy were a band that became stranded in Japan while all sorts of '80s metal greats stole their songs and rode them to the top. Either that, or they are rassler Chris Jericho and Stuck Mojo's Rich Ward jerkin' yer chain. In any event, they are back on their Happenstance sophomore with more '80s tunes, this time (predictably, thankfully) mixed with a few originals. These new tunes, of course rule, because Stuck Mojo was a kick ass band, both rhythmic and almost oppressively bright, both characteristics of which carry over onto these searingly guitary yet melodically hair bandy songs. But I'd have to say I disagree beeringly with the band's choice of "covers." 'Freewheel Burning', 'L.O.V.E. Machine', 'The Mob Rules' and especially - goddamn it - 'Big City Nights' are all inferior material from their respective bands. Maiden, no matter what you pick, is played out and I never need to hear 'Balls To The Wall' again, by Accept, by U.D.O. live in front of 40 people, by Fozzy. Please, for the sake of the jaded, go deep next time or better yet... all originals. Bloody 'ell, 'Crucify Yourself' coulda been a Chemical Wedding highlight, as coulda 'To Kill A Stranger'. Major talent here: vocals, guitar (riffs, leads, twin leads), production, it's quite the package.
