by Justin Gaines
– Senior Columnist —
New Jersey’s Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene in the ‘80s was best known for bands like Cinderella, Skid Row and TT Quick. Working that same circuit, albeit without the same national attention, was Pierce, a band formed by guitar wizard (and one-time Metallica tech) William Pierce. The band issued a pair of very hard hitting albums as the ‘80s gave way to the ‘90s, but missed their chance for major label success.
Pierce straddled the line between Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, much like TT Quick did. Pierce’s guitar work alone tends to puts most of these songs in metal territory, but like George Lynch and Michael Schenker he knew how to write good straight-up rock songs as well. A guitarist of this caliber needs to be paired with an equally impressive vocalist, and Pierce had that covered in Dannis Chavis, a singer with a strong, steady midrange who could switch to a rawer, raspier style on occasion.
Both Pierce albums (1989’s Pierce and 1990’s II) have a good mix of metallic anthems and upbeat rockers. On the debut, “Danger,” “Hit and Run” and the single “Metal Head Dolls” are the standouts. On II, the anthemic “Metal Soldiers,” “Bound for Glory” and “Comes the Night” are highlights, as is the band’s very impressive cover of Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page.”
Divebomb’s 2016 Pierce collection, appropriately titled III – The Anthology, collects both Pierce albums on CD for the first time ever. Both albums have been newly remastered, and while there are no bonus tracks (aside from a video clip for “Metal Head Dolls”), the booklet is loaded with vintage photos and a brand new interview with William Pierce. It’s another great looking and great sounding reissue collection from this label, and one that will no doubt thrill longtime fans of the band. Those who are new to the band, but who dig bands like TT Quick, Prophet, Shogun and Riot, now have the perfect way to get all of Pierce’s recordings in one great set.
Genre: Heavy Metal, Hard Rock
Lineup:
Dennis Chavis (v)
William Pierce (g)
Joey Cali (b)
Tom Doud (d) (v)
Track Listing:
Disc 1
1. Danger
2. Run Silent Run Deep
3. Metal Head Dolls
4. Tell Me You’re In Love
5. Turn the Knife
6. Hit and Run
7. I’m the One
8. Cum On
9. Screams in the Night
10. Outta Hand
Disc 2
1. Dawhite & Willy
2. Metal Soldiers
3. Turn the Page
4. Bound for Glory
5. Blackmail
6. Shadows
7. Misery
8. It’s Only Love (In Too Deep)
9. Winter Witch
10. Night Wear
11. Comes the Night
Label: Divebomb Records
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8.5/10
