Hittman - Hittman

\r\nIn the history of Heavy Metal exist innumerable groups "comets" that as long as fast they were appeared, so much fast they were disappeared. One of them is HITTMAN. The group from New York released their first homonymous album in 1988 and made their presence perceptible in the metal scene, leaving a lot of promises for the future. Promises which never became true, because their lack of musical orientation, led them to the release of their second album "Vivas Machina" after 5 years, a mediocre hard rock, which does not need any mentioning. \r\n

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\r\n Hittman is a marvellous sample of melodic Heavy-Power Metal of the 80’ s. Brilliant production, amazing sound, impressive songs, talented musicians, things that can make you easily realise the sound that was made around their name. The album opens with the fast and heavy "Metal Sport", where you can find out that all that mentioned above are not only impressions, but true events. "Dead On Arrival" which follows is a masterpiece, with amazing guitars from Jim Bachi and John Kristen and beautiful melodies in the refrain. "Will You Be There" is an american ballad, which although is very good, it does not really bear connection with the rest of the album. This does not happen with "Breakout", a very heavy song which has enough melodies that reminds Queensryche, of "Warning" era. Specifically the singer Dirk Kennedy is heard as G.Tate in certain points, without of course having the awesome voice that had then the charismatic singer.In general lines, Kennedy, who participated with ANTHRAX before they release "Fistful Of Metal", has a good, expressive voice, which was more than ideal for the group’s needs. \r\n

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\r\nThen we have "Backstreets Rebels", whose "heavy" riffs make him a great song, but the whole structure of it reveals that it was made especially for the American market. On the contrary, very fast and one of my favourites is "Caught In The Crossfire", which is made to… cut you head from head banging. Chuck Kory amazing drums and impressive and endless solos from Bachi and Kristen, would make your sprain your fingers if you will try to practice on them…!!Very good is the cover of "Secret Agent Man", a song that was the soundtrack of the very old, homonym American television series. Their influences from Queensryche make once again intensely their appearance in an also very good song "Behind The Lines" that follows. "The Test Of Time", which closes the album is one of their best songs. \r\n

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\r\nIt is really pity, that HITTMAN did not accomplish what they have began. After the normal failure of Vivas Machina, the group was disappeared and no one ever heard something for them. However you can without any hesitation, can spend a few euros you’re your pocket and make their depute, yours. Be sure that you will not regret it and is an album that I recommend you to buy. \r\n

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\r\nTranslated by: Manos Maragos \r\n

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