Great Metal Albums of 1981: Triumph- Allied Forces

For all the moaning I do about Canadian metal not getting the respect it deserves, Triumph are one band that my moaning certainly applies to. Sure, they have enjoyed lots of success in the USA where they have sold many albums and have given Yanks many a good concert memory but if you mention them here in the UK, there are a lot of British metalheads who would answer “Who?” Now before I get a load of responses from my British readers shouting from the roof tops how much they love this band, there are many out there, including some long established metalheads who haven’t heard of Triumph. Sacrilege, I know.

“Allied Forces” was the album that first introduced me to Triumph and for me, it was love at first listen. I was hooked from the very first notes of “Fool For You Love,” a great rocking track and a very appropriate opener. I really love the second track, “Magic Power” and how it starts with a guitar intro that hints at being a fantasy ballad and then hits you over the head with all out power. That song got a couple of extra listens on its own. Like a good baseball team, the album has a very good middle of the order. All four songs are just fantastic, so much so, I can’t pick one that stands out above the other. They’re just all good. Thinking about it, Rik Emmett does play a rather mean guitar solo “Hot Time in the City Tonight.” The two instrumentals on the album are both short and to the point and that’s not a bad thing. It all closes with a very suitable “Say Goodbye” and while you know the album is finishing, you can’t help wanting to go back and listen to it all over again. I know I did.

Track Listing:

1. Fool For Your Love

2. Magic Power

3. Air Raid

4. Allied Forces

5. Hot Time in the City

6. Fight the Good Fight

7. Ordinary Man

8. Petite Etude

9. Say Goodbye

Triumph

Rik Emmett- all guitars, vocals

Gil Moore- drums, percussion, vocals

Mike Levine- bass, all keyboards

If there is any album that supports the notion that Triumph should be heralded as a great band, it’s “Allied Forces.” I made me believe and I’m sure I’m not the only one this album did that to. If you haven’t heard it, have a listen and it will have the same effect on you.

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