Fair Warning – Pimp Your Past (CD) (released 28 October 2016 via SPV)

Formed in Germany in 1991, a classic or trad metal influenced band flying in the trends of non-metal trends (grunge, alternative and nu). Founded by former V2 vocalist Tommy Heart and Zeno bassist Ule W Ritgen, the band was rounded off by guitarists Helge Engelke and Andy Malecek, and drummer Jurgen CC Beherns.

This is the band’s 8th studio album and the current four piece have re-imagined tracks from the first three albums ‘Fair Warning’, ‘Rainmaker’ and ‘Go!’, from 1992 to 1997. Hence the album title.

The opening track, with its fuzzy bass intro, launches into a hair metal tinged blast and safe to say that the vocals are as clear, clean and strong as ever.

Equally strong, ‘One Step Closer’ is more melodic initially, and features some blistering guitar work.

‘Out On The Run’ features some early shred and the underlying riff has an occasional nod to the Bond theme. The mid to high vocals are perfect for the band’s sound, and some guitar harmonies add strength to the sound. A joy.

There sometimes is a feel of the band not knowing what direction, as in the early 90s the sleaze influences would have been out of place, the power metal working better. More often than not it works, and it works well, but less so the Skid Row ballad moments.

These re-workings are fresh, solid and largely well worth checking out. Definitely one to rock to. 7.2/10

Joe Geesin

Fair Warning are:-

Tommy Heart – vocals

Helge Engelke – guitars

Ule W. Ritgen – bass

C.C. Behrens – drums

Tracklist –

01. Longing For Love 3:50

02 One Step Closer 3:58

03. Out On The Run 3:59

04. When Love Fails 4:37

05. Long Gone 4:39

06. Burning Heart 4:13

07. Picture Of Love 4:44

08. Angels Of Heaven 5:34

09. Rain Song 4:46

10. Save Me 5:34

11. Don´t Give Up 6:43