Great Metal Albums of 1983: Vandenberg- Heading For a Storm

I hope everyone out there had a great holiday break and that Santa brought them everything they wanted. I did even though I had to work the Christmas Night/Boxing Day shift. Boxing Day isn’t celebrated in the US, they have Wrestling Day instead. Sorry, it’s a tradition I make that joke at least once during the festive season. However, on the advice of keepsmealive, I did get to sample some of The Trooper- Red and Black, very nice I tell you.

Thinking back in the annals of history, one might be inclined to believe that 1983 might have been a pivotal year for Dutch bands. First Golden Earring proved they weren’t one hit wonders with their “Cut” album which featured the hit, “Twilight Zone.” Then later on that year, I stumbled into my local bar just in time to see this band called Vandenberg on MTV. I can’t say that I was totally blown away by them but I did very much like what I saw and heard and it compelled me to investigate more. A friend of my sister ranted about their album “Heading For a Storm” and I would later learn that Vandenberg supported Ozzy Osbourne on tour. What further incentive was needed?

“Heading For a Storm” is yet further proof that in 1983, the dam had truly burst and heavy metal was flooding the world whether it liked it or not. The album starts out with three straight ahead rockers. “Friday Night” might sound cliche these days but it’s still a good opener and the next two tracks get progressively better. “Different Worlds” is a typical power ballad but you can’t fault it one bit. Besides after that comes my pick for the album, This is War.” On this song, lead singer Bert Heerink is at his best on the vocals backed up with some great harmonizing from his band mates. But what makes this song and the album as a whole is the guitar work from Adrian Vandenberg. If anyone has any questions as to why he was picked to join Whitesnake four years after this, then have a listen to the album and the track, “This is War,” in particular.

AV’s guitar work doesn’t end with that song. Afterwards, the album holds that level my favourite track takes it to. I really love the opening metal riffs on the title track and after some more good harmonizing, Adrian nails another great guitar solo. “Rock On” sounds a bit new wave with its opening chords but it goes more metal with AV putting in some cool guitar breaks during the verses and the song has a cool chorus. All of that takes the album out fine with the closing track.

Track Listing:

1. Friday Night
2. Welcome to the Club
3. Time Will Tell
4. Different Worlds
5. This is War
6. I’m on Fire
7. Heading For a Storm
8. Rock On
9. Waiting For the Night

Vandenberg

Adrian Vandenberg- guitar, backing vocals, also designed the album cover

Bert Heernik- lead vocals

Dick Kemper- bass, pedals, backing vocals

Jos Zoomer- drums, backing vocals

 Let me say one thing here! While I might gush over the guitar greatness of Adrian Vandenberg, the unsung hero of the album is Bert Heernik. I have always had tons of respect for any singer who sings in English when it’s not their first language. On “Heading For a Storm,” he does a grand job and credit should be given where due. After all, “Heading For a Storm” is an album that definitely deserves accolades.

Next post: My 2016 Compilation Album

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