Artist – Various Artists (Alice Cooper)
Album: Killer: 50 Years Later
Record Label: Pale Wizard Records
Release Date: 27 November 2021
Alice Cooper released his 4th album, ‘Killer’ on November 27, 1971, which has gone on to become one of the most beloved albums in his entire discography. Now 50 years later, Pale Wizard Records brings you all eight original songs brought to life by eight well renowned hard rock underground groups paying homage to ‘Killer’ in their own unique styles. There are also four bonus tracks on the CD and digital versions (not available on Vinyl) featuring four other bands from the underground rock scene.
The lead single from the record is “Under My Wheels” which is brought to life by Green Lung. It captures much of the original sound whilst also combining the band’s own unique flourishes. The guitar has a little more punch to it and adds more distortion than the original. There is a similarity to the vocal performance but with a bit less of the gruffness present in comparison to Alice’s vocals but still maintains that raspy rock core.
Some other highlights include “Be My Lover” which was tackled by The Grand Mal which goes for a heavier sound and loud thrashing drums. There is a lot of power in the track and is definitely worth several listens. This is followed up by Sergeant Thunderhoof’s daring take on “Halo of Flies” a difficult song to cover especially given that it’s over 8 minutes long. I found the guitar a little piercing at the beginning, but they really get fired up when you get into the track. The combination of awesome riffs and dynamic energetic vocals makes this a thunderous tune.
Things then take a bit of a twist with an almost haunting version of “Desperado” from Ritual King which takes a few more risks and has some indie rock elements to spice it up. It then almost shifts into metal and contrasts quite disparately from the original ending with an electrifying solo. Tracks 5 and 6 “You Drive Me Nervous” (1968) and “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” (Trippy Wicked) respectively again go heavier than their original counterparts. As their own songs, I would say they are head-banging tunes that really grab your attention, but they don’t quite hit in the same way as the original.
The penultimate track from Mos Generator “Dead Babies” starts comparatively quiet but soon gets going and you can’t help but move your head when you hear the words “dead babies can take care of themselves”. I think appropriately we end on track “Killer” from the rather humorously named The Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell. The sound is similar to Alice in terms of the vocal delivery. Although still instrumentally different as we get some fast-paced quick-fire guitar that erupts throughout the song and again much heavier tones.
We also get some bonus tracks from bands Alunah, Suns of Thunder, Possessor, and Sound of Origin but I think I’ll leave those as a nice surprise for you guys. However, as it’s one of Alice’s most well-known songs I had to give my thoughts on the cover of “I’m Eighteen” by Alunah. The only cover by a female artist on this record is executed very well capturing the essence of the original. It doesn’t change things drastically, as they say, don’t mess with a masterpiece but it definitely showcases the band’s own character, and it is cool to hear with female vocals. That powerful outro is awesome too.
Killer was a fantastic album and one of Alice’s best and I enjoyed these different takes on what are some awesome tracks. I couldn’t quite give it 5 stars as nothing can ever beat the originals. I gave this 4 and a half stars because there is not a single track you want to skip, it’s classic rock in a modern format combined with some hard rock almost blending into metal. Put on your headphones, turn on your speakers and blast this out loud.
‘Alice Cooper Killer 50 Years Later!’ will drop on November 27th, 2021, and is available for pre-order on CD, Vinyl, and all major platforms. There is also a special limited edition Vinyl in Neon pink and black 180g with a deluxe gatefold sleeve, limited to 600 copies worldwide.
Featured Artists: Green Lung, The Grand Mal, Sergeant Thunderproof, Ritual King, 1968, Trippy Wicked & the Cosmic Children on the Knight, Mos Generator, The Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell
Bonus Tracks Artists: Alunah, Suns of Thunder, Possessor, Sound of Origin
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