Kick Axe
Kick Axe is a Canadian heavy metal band from Regina, Saskatchewan. Influenced by rambunctious arena rock from the 70s and early 80s, the group is perhaps best known for their 1984 album "Vices", praised by publications such as AllMusic for its "down-and-dirty guitar riffs" and notably managing to crack the American market. The band achieved moderate commercial success in the mid-1980s on the strength of the singles "Heavy Metal Shuffle", "On the Road to Rock", "With a Little Help from My Friends" and "Rock the World". Following the release of their 1986 album "Rock the World , Kick Axe disbanded and remained on hiatus for many years. In 2004, they re-emerged with the album Kick Axe IV". The band's "classic" mid-1980s lineup consisted of George Criston (vocals), Larry Gillstrom (lead guitar), Raymond Harvey (lead guitar), Brian Gillstrom (drums), and Victor Langen (bass guitar). Vocalist Criston did not return for the band's 2004 reunion, being replaced by Gary Langen, who had actually been a founding member of the band in the late 1970s. History of the band. Early years (1976–1980). Kick Axe was formed in Regina, Saskatchewan, in 1974 by Larry Gillstrom (guitar), Victor Langen  (bass guitar) and his brother Gary Langen (drums, lead vocals), but at those times they called themselves Hobbit. In 1976 they changed the name to Kick Axe. After several line-up changes, by 1979, they added a guitarist Raymond Harvey and relocated to Vancouver, British Columbia in search of greater exposure. Gary Langen was not willing to leave Saskatchewan and was replaced by Larry's brother Brian Gillstrom. The group began recording in 1979 but scrapped the sessions because they felt they needed a more distinguished front man. Vocalist Charles McNary was brought in and the band started to make  waves, even making an appearance on a Playboy compilation album. Career expansion, decline and fall (1981–1988). McNary left the band in 1982, and after an international search, he was replaced in 1983 by George Criston (from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA), giving Kick Axe the "distinguished front man" they had long desired. Shortly after his joining, the group signed a major label deal with Spencer Proffer's Pasha Records. Their debut album "Vices" was released in 1984 to critical acclaim, and the band toured behind such top acts of the day as Judas Priest, Whitesnake, Scorpions, and Pasha label-mates Quiet Riot . The third single from "Vices" (appearing only on the cassette version), a cover of Humble Pie's "30 Days in the Hole" appeared on the "Up the Creek" movie soundtrack in 1984. The song also appeared on the first of two Muchmusic compilation albums promoting the network's weekly "Power Hour" program. "Vices" meant for Kick Axe the biggest commercial success reaching position #126 at the Billboard 200 chart. The band's follow-up album "Welcome to the Club" was released in 1985 and strayed away from their rock anthems for a more radio-friendly sound, and included a handful  of guest stars. It reached the "Billboard" Top 200, but disappointed longtime fans. Meanwhile, the group appeared on "" soundtrack under the name of Spectre General, the name change being due to legal complications. They recorded two songs under that name: "Hunger" (later covered by King Kobra in their 1985 album "Ready to Strike") and "Nothin's Gonna Stand in Our Way" (a cover of a song by John Farnham from the film "Savage Streets") which were included on the soundtrack. Guitarist Harvey left the band in 1986, and the band elected to carry on as a four-piece. Their  next album "Rock the World", a return to their heavy metal roots, was released but by then all momentum had been lost. By 1988, dropped by their record label, Kick Axe broke up. Reunion without Criston (2003–present). The band reformed in 2003 with original member Gary Langen singing for Criston who was unavailable to join the reunion due to prior work commitments. The new album entitled "Kick Axe IV" was released the following year. In 2008 Gary Langen left the band and was replaced with new vocalist Daniel Nargang, formerly of the Regina metal band Into Eternity. They continue  to play Canadian tour dates and rock festivals.