AC/DC inspired Christian
heavy metal band that formed in the late 80's. They were signed to Pakaderm
& A&M Records, released two cds, both produced by John & Dino Elefante,
before disappearing. The band's ring leader was guitarist Greg Bishop. In 2001
a disc of unreleased demo tracks was also released in limited quantities on
M8 records.
X-Sinner-Get It (Pakaderm) 1989
1. "Medicine" (3:22)
2. "Steppin' on Toes" (3:28)
3. "Hearts on Fire" (4:13)
4. "No Way In" (3:43)
5. "Get It" (4:18)
6. "Accountable" (4:13)
7. "Walking Evil" (4:48)
8. "Lift Him Up" (3:13)
9. "Kick 'Em Out" (3:17)
10. "Livin' on the Edge" (4:07)
When this disc came out, X-Sinner were immediately labeled an AC/DC clone. While the similarities are there and the band obviously was inspired by their sound, they have just as much in common with the likes of Cinderella's "Night Songs" Krokus' "Headhunter" and Def Leppard's "High & Dry." The biggest similarity is in the vocals. Unlike most AC/DC inspired bands who seem to have a Bon Scott clone, Robbins goes for the more aggressive Brian Johnson sound. These guys actually put out some high caliber heavy metal with some very catchy vocal melodies and song structures. Had songs like "Livin' on the Edge" been on any Def Leppard album it would have been a huge hit. Too bad really but since X-Sinner were relegated to the underground due to their "white metal" label, success wasn't busting down their door. The whole album is actually quite enjoyable.
X-Sinner-Loud & Proud (Magdalen/M8) 2001
1. "No Way Back" (4:37)
2. "Eyes of Fire" (4:42)
3. "A Cut Above" (4:21)
4. "Medicine" (3:24)
5. "No Where to Run" (5:29)
6. "Turn It Up" (5:38)
7. "Got To Let Go" (4:17)
8. "X-Sinner" (4:14)
9. "Last Call" -instrumental (3:07)
10. "Reap What You Sow" (4:20)
11. "Shame" (3:24)
12. "Last Call" (3:10)
Instead of re-releasing the two sole releases from X-Sinner, Magdalen released this disc of demos and unreleased tracks. Apparently the rights to "Peace Treaty" and "Get It" are owned by A&M Records and/or Pakaderm and they could not get permission, making the originals still a valuable auction on eBay and the like. However, the demo material on this disc is actually well produced and overall, this disc just sounds like another X-Sinner disc. Kudos! Most of the material (tracks 1-5) was recorded in 1988 with original vocalist Dave Robbins. Some (Tracks 9-12) features "Peace Treaty" era vocalist Rex Scott and were recorded in 1992, after "Peace Treaty" was released. Tracks 6-8 were demos for "Peace Treaty" while the band was apparently searching for a new vocalist. These tracks feature someone who is only listed as Paul. Some of these songs have different names than the ones that finally appeared on "Get It" or "Peace Treaty." For instance "Eyes of Fire" is the demo version of "Hearts of Fire." Overall, not a bad listen. I actually put off buying this M8 release after hearing the terrible Deliverance demo disc called 'Back in the Day.' The sound quality on this cd, while not being perfect, is not bad at all, sounding just slightly under a professional release.
On cassette:
X-Sinner-Peace Treaty (Pakederm) 1991