Phil Accardi's Chalice

Item: Take Control
Author: Doug Van Pelt

Take Control

(1988)

Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt

Discogs YouTube

Label Almighty Rock RecordsHeaven's Metal #18September 1988

arena rock glam metal pop metal

Here's some professional pop metal to sink your teeth into. Chalice goes after that slick arena rock sound that's made girls squeal for the last ten years. Bands like Bon Jovi, Kiss, Journey, and Cinderella, and Britny Fox all fuse commercial/ radio-airplayable hooks with power chords, long hair and spandex. Obviously some hardcore headbangers are not going to favor this slick sound, but Chalice can't be knocked for doing an amateurist job. Phil Accardi and Chalice execute their music with precision and professionalism. They sank some money into this project. The production is tight and the artwork is nice and full color. "Take Control" starts off the tape with a rocker, "Eyes of Burning Fire". It has a great crunching hook and upfront lyrics: "Eyes of burning fire/ Shine a holy Light on you/ No other Love is higher/ Jesus paid a price for you." The title track is another energy-packed pop rocker. It features several commercial choruses, but also has some well-timed screams and flying riffs at the end of the song. "Victim of the Night" is a standout cut on the album. There is some very good sounds from the blending of the organ and guitar.