Along with the likes of 'Raven', 'Venom', 'Tysondog' and 'Avenger', 'Hellanbach' are one of many NWOBHM bands that were spawned in the North East of England. This lot however, despite executing a sound well within the expectations of the genre, do take some influence from 'Van Halen', mainly thanks to guitarist 'Dave Patton's' 'EVH' style of playing and while not always totally successfully, is enough to separate them from the norm. Despite reviewing this from the 'The Big H: The Hellanbach Anthology', the production still needs a lot to be desired- this however is quite often the case with albums from the NWOBHM genre.

The pulsating 'Dancin'' opens proceedings in a raw and rugged fashion, immediately from the off, the 'Eddie Van Halen' similarities are prevalent, I'm not entirely sure it all totally works here, but this is still a decent cut. Ensuing in a similar vein is 'Times Are Getting Harder' another solid track, but to be blunt, with the exception of the chorus, sounds way too much like 'Dancin'', that said the guitar fuelled instrumental break is worthy of a listen. The energy is maintained with the lively 'Look At Me', a slightly more melodic but effective rocker, the EVH similarities aren't so prevalent until the very respectable guitar solo, while capable vocalist 'Jimmy Brash' also chips in with a solid performance. Brisker and better still, is the blazing 'All Systems Go' which recalls fellow metallers 'Raven', a quality intense rocker right from the off, full of great rhythm and fine fret work, which overall is more indicative of the genre. The pace falls for 'Maybe Tomorrow' a fairly generic and unimpressive mid tempo offering, while 'Motivated By Desire' gets us back on track in vigorous fashion and isn't too far removed from the classic 'Raven' sound. The 'Van Halen' similarities are again recalled for 'Taken By Surprise', even 'Jimmy Brash' seems to do his best to emulate 'David Lee Roth', that said this is well executed and wouldn't sound out of place on any early 'VH' albums. The more generic 'Let's get this Show on the Road' ensues and overlooking the splendid guitar solo, is lyrically inept, whilst 'Kick It Out' is a decent if slightly unremarkable mid tempo affair. The pace is taken up a notch for 'All The Way' a more traditional sounding NWOBHM cut, graced with the screaming guitar of ''Dave Patton' and rugged vocals of 'Jimmy Brash'. Closing the album in strange and inappropriate fashion is a cover of the Aristocat's movie song 'Everybody wants to be a Cat', not the wisest move in my opinion.

With the right backing, finances and a slice of good fortune, this band could of, and should of enjoyed a lot more success!