Lillian Axe - 1989 Love and War

Lillian Axe formed in New Orleans and were one of the most underrated metal acts of the late 80s and early 90s. "Love and War" is their second album. "Love + War" contained ten classic compositions, stretching from hard and heavy tracks to mellow ballads. Produced by Tony Platt (who previously worked with AC/DC) the album delivered a strong dose of skillfully written material. Even though there was an official video for the song "Show a Little Love" played on MTV, the album never took off. This remastered reissue is in a numbered digipack edition of 2000.

Originally released in 1989, Lillian Axe's sophomore album Love and War was one of the best (and until now, hardest to find) melodic hard rock albums of the 80's. The New Orleans band was worlds better than the average hair metal band, and had a highly melodic sound similar to bands like Hurricane, Winger and Enuff Z'Nuff.

Lillian Axe is one of those bands that can do no wrong. I think their 1988 self-titled debut album is a nearly perfect melodic rock album, but Love and War may be even better. Stevie Blaze and Ron Taylor were a really dynamic songwriting team, and they really shine here. Show a Little Love and Diana are simple, but very well done, singles, and songs like Ghosts of Winter and Letters in the Rain showcase a depth that was way beyond their so-called peers. Blaze also excels here as a guitarist, coming up with some awesome melodic hooks and solos, and of course Ron Taylor's vocals shine as usual.

If you're any kind of 80's rock/metal fan at all, Love and War is a must-have album. It's probably the best overall Lillian Axe album (although they're all pretty incredible), and holds up remarkably well after all these years.