| Emerging from the Welsh wing of the NWOBHM movement at a time when its initial fires had begun to cool, Rankelson's debut Hungry for Blood is a refreshing oddity - an album that sits uncomfortably and gloriously between eras, styles, and expectations. Arriving in 1986, long after many of their peers had either softened into AOR waters or vanished entirely, Rankelson offered something surprisingly raw and impassioned, hinting more at the scrappy energy of 1982 than the polished sheen that had become common by mid-decade.
Musically, Hungry for Blood is a melting pot of classic metal grit, flamboyant hard rock attitude, and a healthy splash of keyboard-driven atmosphere. There's no mistaking the influence of Dio-era Rainbow or early Alcatrazz in the band's melodic sensibilities and ambitious arrangements, yet there's also a barroom toughness here - a refusal to let the polish wash away the punch. Guitarist Steve Wilson delivers sharp, aggressive riffs and flashy solos that often dominate the spotlight, while Tim Ranson's ever-present keys weave a cinematic texture that adds drama without tipping fully into the pompous.
Tracks like "Break the Chains" open the album with a striking blend of synthesizer-laced buildup and hook-laden heavy metal gallop, setting the tone for what's to follow: a record that knows its roots but refuses to play it safe. "Abuser" and "Hot Tonite" are further standouts - the former tapping into Maiden-esque urgency, the latter oozing with energetic sleaze and blazing fretwork that channels the spirit of early NWOBHM trailblazers like Tygers of Pan Tang or Tokyo Blade. Colin Sergeant's vocals soar with confidence and clarity, delivering catchy choruses with conviction even when the lyrics lean into mid-'80s rock cliché.
Sure, not every song hits the same mark. Cuts like "Sex Slave" and "Can't Stop Rocking" flirt a bit too closely with Sunset Strip tropes, but even these tracks are delivered with enough grit and energy to avoid falling flat. And while the production - like many Ebony releases - leans toward the raw and occasionally uneven, it only enhances the album's working-class charm. There's a hunger in this record that belies its late arrival to the NWOBHM party.
Ultimately, Hungry for Blood stands as a hidden gem for fans of traditional metal who favor melody, muscle, and a touch of theatrical flair. Rankelson may not have broken through in their time, but this debut is far from disposable. It captures a transitional moment in heavy metal's evolution - where the underground still raged, even as the mainstream shifted. A must-hear for collectors and enthusiasts of the genre's lesser-known treasures. |
