N.M.E – The End Of Innocence

Pittsburgh, PA’s Heavy Metal scene during the mid-’80s featured N.M.E a Classic Heavy Metal band building their fan base through support gigs for bands such as Dream Theater and Testament and culminated in studio recordings of twelve songs during 1988. Unfortunately, the recordings were unreleased when the band succumbed to lineup changes.  Fast forward 30 years.  These recordings are finally released as The End of Innocence.

The dated production is immediately evident.  The sound is honest and sparse allowing a direct connection between listener and musician.  Though refreshingly raw and unfiltered, it might alienate listeners more attuned to modern production standards.  As a time capsule of late 1980s Metal, the listener hears the influence of The Rods, Wildcat era Tygers Of Pan Tang and The Dark era Metal Church.

During “Walk On” the band uses a dual guitar synchronized riff attack similar to Judas Priest to good effect.  On “No Way Home”, the main riff is lifted straight out of Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls”.  One would think this riff couldn’t help but yield a good song, but it’s squandered on unfocused lyrics and climaxes with a panicked fade out. “The Chance” builds upon stuttering riffs stitched together with melodic flourishes to a galloping finish akin to Iron Maiden’s “Hallowed Be Thy Name”. “The Well” follows with Ian Anderson inspiration.  A flute is tastefully interjected throughout to add melodic nuance to otherwise plodding riff combinations.  Over the second half of the album, the highlights thin out. “Sweet Little Sister” has a Metallica “Hit The Lights” Thrash Metal signature representative of its time and “Wicked Child” displays experimentation with higher complexity song writing.

N.M.E may be a band long gone from the scene, but their album still holds its own among its peers from the era.  Classic Heavy Metal fans will find this an enjoyable audio throwback.

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TRACKLIST (Highlights: 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 12)

1. Vengeance Is Mine
2. Walk On
3. No Way Home
4. The Chance
5. The Well
6. Trial By Fire
7. M.I.A.
8. Red Light Night
9. Sweet Little Sister
10. Eat Me Alive
    BONUS TRACKS
11. R.I.P.
12. Wicked Child

LINEUP

Michael Weldon – guitar
Brian Keruskin – guitar
Chuck Robinson – bass
Dave Snyder – drums
Jirus – vocalist