Harlet - 25 Gets a Ride [1988]

With a cover like that, with a band name like Harlet, and an album title like 25 Gets a Ride, one might expect a product that sounds like the work of a horrible, sleazy glam metal reject that came too late in the game; however, that's not really what we get here. Sure, there's some glam leanings in the forgettable lyrics (apart from "Faintly Living") and a mild commercial touch, but Harlet sounds more like a cross between early Fates Warning, Queensryche, and Lizzy Borden. It doesn't rise to the level of those US power metal giants, of course, but 25 Gets a Ride does provide a solid entry of quality melodic metal in the one of the best years there ever was for it.

The sound is immediately recognizable as US power; you've get your typically polished production, simple but effective riffing, and last but certainly not least, ridiculously high register vocals. This is the component that was most enjoyable for myself personally, but it might be quite a detractor for some. All I can say is, if you like Geoff Tate or Lizzy Borden, you surely won't be disappointed. He might've restrained himself a bit more in some areas, but overall, I just can't say no to those piercing high notes. The other members do a decent, but never mesmerizing job. The songwriting is also mostly good; occasionally, there will be a song or chorus that just isn't catchy enough, but for the most part, they do the trick. The most well-rounded track here is undoutedly "Lit and Burning" with its awesome lead riff and truly memorable chorus. Other highlights include "Bought 'n' Paid For" and "Take Your Chances" for their slightly progressive leanings.

Harlet came and went with very little (I'd dare say none at all) notice in the 80's and quickly faded into legend, which is kind of a shame considering the promise shown by this capable sole release. They pretty much had all the necessary factors to compete with the more popular giants of the genre, and I sure would have liked to see what might have come next. The production is stunningly clear for such an underground release, and this is insanely underground. I'd say that even most of the craziest powerheads haven't even heard of it. 25 Gets a Ride may not touch the many masterful releases of 1988 (Operation: Mindcrime, Transcendence), but any fans of said albums could do much worse than to acquire it.

Overall: 7.25/10 (Good)