Description
Blackthorne – Afterlife – Cassette
Released in 1993, Blackthorne’s Afterlife is a powerful, no-nonsense album from a short-lived supergroup that combined heavy metal, glam, and hard rock. Featuring a lineup of rock veterans—including Graham Bonnet (vocals, formerly of Rainbow and Alcatrazz), Bob Kulick (guitar, known for his work with Kiss and Meat Loaf), Jimmy Waldo (keyboards, also from Alcatrazz), Chuck Wright (bass, from Quiet Riot), and Frankie Banali (drums, also from Quiet Riot)—Afterlife is a showcase of seasoned musicians creating hard-hitting metal with a gritty, dark vibe. Bonnet’s powerful, aggressive vocal style combined with Kulick’s blistering guitar work and Banali’s thunderous drumming delivers a high-energy sound that blends melodic hooks with metal intensity.
This album stands out as a late entry into the glam and hard rock scene, blending Bonnet’s distinctive vocal power with Kulick’s precise riffs and solos, in a time when the grunge movement was dominating rock music. Afterlife remains a cult favorite for fans of ’80s metal and hard rock, celebrated for its sharp, tight sound and seasoned musicianship.
The concept for Blackthorne came from guitarist Bob Kulick and keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, who were looking to create a project with high-caliber musicians. They recruited Graham Bonnet, whose reputation for intense and versatile vocals was established in his previous work with Rainbow, Alcatrazz, and Michael Schenker Group. The addition of Chuck Wright and Frankie Banali solidified the lineup, bringing a rhythm section rooted in the glam metal and hard rock scenes. Although Blackthorne only released Afterlife, the album left a mark on fans who appreciated the technical prowess and raw energy that these rock veterans brought to the project.
Released during the rise of grunge, Afterlife didn’t receive mainstream attention but gained a following among fans of melodic metal and hard rock. The album’s lyrics and sound reflect a darker, edgier take on glam metal, with themes of survival, personal struggle, and resilience.
Afterlife features a blend of melodic hard rock and metal, marked by Bonnet’s commanding vocals, Kulick’s sharp guitar riffs and solos, and a driving rhythm section. The album maintains a sense of polished aggression, combining catchy hooks with a darker edge that sets it apart from typical glam metal releases of the era.
Kulick’s guitar work is a highlight on Afterlife, featuring precise, high-energy riffs and solos that add intensity to each track. Songs like “Cradle to the Grave” and “Afterlife” showcase Kulick’s ability to blend melody with hard-hitting metal riffs, giving the music an aggressive yet accessible quality.
Banali and Wright provide a solid, relentless rhythm foundation throughout the album. Banali’s drumming is powerful and precise, driving the songs forward with a punchy, high-energy beat. Wright’s bass work complements this, adding depth and heaviness that enhance the album’s intensity.
Bonnet’s vocal performance is one of Afterlife’s standout features, with his powerful, gritty voice bringing emotion and strength to the album. His vocals are intense and expressive, capable of hitting both melodic highs and gritty lows, adding a layer of emotional depth to songs like “We Won’t Be Forgotten” and “Over and Over”.
Afterlife deals with themes of resilience, the search for meaning, and the struggles of life, which are conveyed through a mix of personal introspection and metaphor. The album reflects a darker take on glam metal’s typical themes, bringing a sense of grit and reality to its lyrics.
Many tracks on the album deal with themes of survival and overcoming hardship. Songs like “Cradle to the Grave” and “Afterlife” reflect on the challenges of life and the determination to push through difficult times, a theme that resonates with Bonnet’s vocal intensity.
The album often explores existential themes, with lyrics that question life’s meaning and purpose. “We Won’t Be Forgotten” and “Afterlife” touch on themes of legacy and memory, contemplating what it means to be remembered.
Tracks like “Over and Over” reflect a sense of resilience and defiance, encouraging perseverance in the face of adversity. The music’s driving energy and Bonnet’s powerful delivery amplify these themes, making them a central element of Afterlife.
Notable Tracks
“Afterlife”: The title track captures the album’s themes of mortality and legacy, with powerful guitar riffs and Bonnet’s intense vocals delivering the song’s introspective lyrics. Kulick’s solo is a standout moment, adding emotional depth to the track.
“Cradle to the Grave”: This high-energy song features a driving rhythm and memorable chorus, showcasing the chemistry between Kulick’s guitar work and Banali’s drumming. The song’s lyrics reflect on life’s challenges and the determination to survive.
“We Won’t Be Forgotten”: An anthemic track with a melodic hook, “We Won’t Be Forgotten” highlights Bonnet’s vocal range and the band’s ability to create memorable, powerful choruses. The lyrics explore themes of memory and legacy, making it one of the album’s most reflective songs.
“Over and Over”: This song combines a catchy riff with lyrics about resilience and defiance. Bonnet’s gritty vocals add intensity to the track, making it one of the album’s more empowering songs.
“Baby You’re the Blood”: A darker, more dramatic song, “Baby You’re the Blood” explores themes of passion and betrayal. The track’s slower pace and heavy instrumentation create a sense of tension and drama, adding depth to the album.
Afterlife received positive reviews from fans and critics who appreciated the high level of musicianship and the album’s darker take on glam metal and hard rock. Although it didn’t break into the mainstream due to changing trends in rock music, Afterlife has gained a cult following among fans of ’80s metal and hard rock. Listeners were drawn to the album’s blend of melodic hooks and powerful, aggressive sound, as well as the chemistry between its accomplished members.
Today, Afterlife is considered a hidden gem in the hard rock and glam metal genre, appreciated by fans who admire the collective talent of Blackthorne’s lineup. The album showcases the depth and versatility of each member and stands as a testament to their commitment to quality music, even in a shifting musical landscape.
Afterlife by Blackthorne is a powerful album that combines hard rock, metal, and a darker edge to create a distinctive, memorable sound. With its combination of melodic hooks, skilled musicianship, and introspective lyrics, the album offers a glimpse into what might have been had Blackthorne continued beyond their sole release. Bonnet’s commanding vocals, Kulick’s searing guitar work, and the tight, driving rhythm section make Afterlife a must-listen for fans of classic metal and hard rock.
For those interested in high-quality musicianship and gritty, melodic metal, Afterlife remains a powerful example of glam metal’s potential for depth and complexity, standing as a testament to the talents of its members.
CMC International 1993
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic but promo cut in spine
Song List
1. Cradle to the Grave
2. After Life
3. We Won’t Be Forgotten
4. Breaking the Chains
5. Over and Over
6. Hard Feelings
7. Baby You’re the Blood
8. Sex Crime
9. Love from the Ashes
10. All Night Long
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