By Stephen Kasenda
SHARK ISLAND “Law of the Order” (1989)
Gazzarri's was a popular nightclub in Sunset Strip (demolished in 1995 and replaced by Key Club) which was a home to many big names such as The Doors, Van Halen, and Motley Crue, long before they were discovered. Shark Island was one of the home bands in the 80s that has been highly praised for their energetic and bombastic live performances. Richard Black, the lead singer, was the trump card of the band – he was the champion that was responsible for introducing the seductive snake dance and tight bike pants (soon to be copied by Axl Rose), he had a large range of vocal capability.
If only this album came out earlier, Shark Island could've been big in LA, but fate wasn't on their side. Not only did it fail commercially, but Richard Black's name faded away like an ash in the sand. But one thing for sure, "Law of the Order" was immortalized by many glam freaks as one of the most fantastic albums of 1989, unleashing excellent tracks from "Paris Calling" to the spectacular "Shake For Me", and from the emotional ballad of "Why Should I Believe" to the mid-tempo "Bad For Each Other".
A tremendous unnoticed album of the 80s, two thumbs up!
Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.
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