Steelheart Album 1990

[Rode Neagle]

Its always a bit of a shame when good bands release good albums, and they are consequently overlooked for years to come. Granted, it never helps when said band breaks up after only a couple of albums (likely due to the dawn of grunge in this instance), but in the case of Steelheart, their 1990 self-titled debut is a glam metal keeper. In many ways what you hear will remind you of bigger names such as Whitesnake or Dokken, and indeed everything about the production here is big: big sound, big hooks, big vocals, big hair, and big solos. Clearly, then, the very definition of American glam rock/metal of this time period. It's only too bad their first offering was released as late as 1990, only four years before the infamous death of the genre.

What we have here, then, is a solid album created by a talented group of musicians. Frank DiCostanzo and John Fowler, both ex-Rage of Angels, bring in a tight rhythm section, underlaying the high-flying lead guitar work of Chris Risola. Production sound is exceptionally clean, even more so than Whitesnake's albums around that time. Some listeners might have preferred a dirtier and heavier sound, but this might have dropped them into the same arena as Ratt or Poison, and Steelheart is clearly a cut above, especially in terms of songwriting talent. This is a band that knew how to handle their instruments, and the sharp, distorted guitar sound reminds me of Slaughter, among others.

Speaking of Slaughter, it would be remiss not to mention the vocals. Singer Michael Matjevic is just phenomenal, with a range that launches the listener right into outer space. If you've ever heard Mark Slaughter when he sang for Vinnie Vincent Invasion, you're getting close. It's not quite a Halford Shriek (should that phrase be trademarked?), but the stratospheric notes this man hits are just astounding. Playing singles such as Can't Stop Me Lovin' You or Like Never Before around thin glass or perhaps your prized hallway mirror is not recommended.

In truth, and realizing that it is an overused cliche, there honestly is not one single bad or filler track here -- every one is a great tune. From the powerhouse opener Love Ain't Easy, straight through the speedy Rock n' Roll and Down n' Dirty, Steelheart lays down an enjoyable, upbeat listening experience. Notable tracks include the soaring power ballad I'll Never Let You Go and the mournful-yet-impressive She's Gone. Cheesy sounding to be sure, but these are about as good as power ballads get. The true gem, however, is the unique, well-written Everybody Loves Eileen, although some might do without the vocal/guitar duel at the very end. Full 80's-style riffs are abundant and as mentioned before, Michael Matjevic puts the deep six on every vocalist this side of Daniel Heiman of Lost Horizon fame.

Few bands of that era utilized the glam metal playing field as well as Steelheart, it is nearly undeniable that given a few more years and a few more releases, they may well have become as instantly recognizeable as Motley Crue or even Van Halen. Even so, this debut of Steelheart is worth picking up if you enjoy well-crafted rock/metal from that genre.

Originally released in May 1990, STEELHEART's self-titled debut album hit the Billboard Top 40 behind the single, "I'll Never Let You Go". After many delays due to the pandemic, the hard rock veterans will return to the stage on August 20 in Dallas, Texas at the Glass Cactus to properly celebrate the album, simulcasting the performance via the Dreamstage HD livestream platform. Watch the trailer below. Tickets are available here.

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Steelheart started off as a rock band called Red Alert whose members included James Ward (bass), Chris Risola (guitars), Jack Wilkenson (drums) and after auditioning, Michael Matijevic on vocals. Frank DiCostanzo joined as a second guitarist and John Fowler replaced Jack Wilkenson on drums, after leaving the band Rage of Angels. Recording a four-track demo tape, Matijevic managed to meet artist manager Stan Poses. However, Poses wasn't interested, despite this Matijevic persevered and eventually was given a scribbled address. The next day, Stan Poses had the demo tape, within an hour of hearing it, Matijevic received a phone call confirming that "Red Alert" had just been given a contract with MCA records. Realizing that the Red Alert name was already taken, the band settled on Steelheart allegedly because of their attitude after trying to get a record deal for so long.

The early years (1990-1992)

Steelheart released their self-titled debut album in 1990. It sold 33,000 albums on its first day in Japan alone, and quickly hit platinum status. The ballad "She's Gone" which showcased Matijevic's wide vocal range hit #1 on the International Charts, staying there for 17 weeks. The ballad maintains its popularity in East Asian region until today. It has been played by most of the cover bands those performing in the nightclubs in this region almost every night. It also has been covered by a band in Malaysia who called themselves NRG on the 5th track in their debut album 'Cenderajiwa' in 2002. The second single "I'll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)" reached #14 on the billboard charts, and was MTV's 2nd most requested video. The album reached #40 on the billboard charts. "Everybody Loves Eileen" and its accompanying video also garnered much success. The song "Can't Stop Me Lovin' You" further showcased Matijevic's vocal range, but this time, lead guitarist Risola's guitar skills were also noticed. The accompanying video was another of the band's hits.

Steelheart's sophomore album, "Tangled In Reins" with many songs containing sounds more like Guns N' Roses than its debut. The song "Steelheart" featured Matijevic hitting his highest note of all the three albums. Since grunge invasion was taking force, the album only reached #144 on the billboard charts. However the ballad "Mama Don't You Cry" charted #1 in many East Asian Countries, including Hong Kong, prompting their Asian tour in September, 1992. The MTV unplugged version in Hong Kong was a success, attracting an audience of over 10,000. After weeks of touring in Asia, Steelheart was later asked by the heavy metal band, Slaughter, to go on tour with them. Nearing the end of the tour, Slaughter asked Steelheart to perform one last show which would occur in Denver, Colorado. The show took place on Halloween night. While performing, "Dancing in the Fire", a hit from the "Tangled in Reins" album, Matijevic decided to climb a lighting truss, which was improperly secured. Matijevic tried to dodge the massive rig, but without success. The 1000 pound truss hit Matijevic on the back of the head and he fell face first onto the stage, breaking his nose, cheekbone, and jaw, and twisting his spine. Matijevic managed to walk off the stage and he was immediately taken to a hospital. "Steelheart" ended that night.

Wait (1996)

Four years later, Matijevic formed a new version of Steelheart with Kenny Kanowski (guitars), Vincent Mele (bass) and Alex Makarovich (drums) to record and release the album "Wait". The album was very different from the previous two albums. The single "Wait" went #1 in many Asian countries, however that was the main area of the album's success, the grunge invasion causing the American European markets to be near closed to classic rock. Original member James Ward joined Steelheart on the tour supporting the album. Also on the "Wait" album, "We All Die Young", the first track, was in the motion picture, "Rock Star," starring Mark Wahlberg. Matijevic stated that "Wait" was the choice of the title because it took a long time to gain freedom from the record company and his greedy manager, who was taking more than what was his.

[edit] Rock Star (2001)

In 2001, Matijevic provided the singing voice for Mark Wahlberg's character in the movie, Rock Star, a story about a music fan who gets to become the singer for his favorite band. The band itself was made up of Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist and frontman of Black Label Society), Jeff Pilson (Dokken) and Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. The film also featured a re-recording of the song "We All Die Young", from the Steelheart's third album Wait. Kenny Kanowski went on to record his new CD with Vincent Mele on bass, and various musicians from Los Angeles. His newest CD is entitled Yabble Diddy Woop Woop which has gotten rave reviews.

[edit] Reunion, Just a Taste and Good 2B Alive (2006-present)

According to the Steelheart website, a new album Good 2b Alive was due out November 11. 2008. Currently, the Just a Taste is available to order from the website as well as being available live on their most recent tour of the same name. It features three tracks from the upcoming Good 2b Alive, "LOL (Laughing Out Loud)", "Twisted Future", and "Buried Unkind", as well as the previously released track "We All Die Young", from Steelheart's album Wait. The EP is also a preview of what the new players of the band (Mike Humbert on drums and Uros Raskovski on lead guitar have to offer). Steelheart's new sound is modern and edgy while still retaining overtones of Miijenko Matijevic's roots. The live Steelheart DVD is also available online. Meanwhile, former drummer for Steelheart, John Fowler, was working on two new projects- the Voodoo Jets and Smoke before his death. He died on 3/21/08 after falling into a coma from suffering a brain aneurysm on 3/17/08. Chris Risola has a guitar studio and rejoined Steelheart for the Just a Taste tour and the touring circle for the album Good 2b Alive. Instrumental guitarist Bill Lonero joined SteelHeart for the Rocklahoma festival on July 13, 2008. He was replaced with Uros Raskovski rejoining the band in early 2009. Uros worked with Miljenko on the new album Good 2B Alive.

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