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Fozzy | Happenstance

Another triumph from the rock legends, freed from their Japanese obligations.
CD, SPV/Zomba

Tekst: Martÿn ter Haar

Publicatiedatum: 01 augustus 2002

Legendary metal pioneers Fozzy got stuck in Japan in 1981. They had signed a deal with Big Happy Mountain Rock Records, but when the owner of that label fled with all the money, they were stuck. And their contract prohibited them from leaving Japan or signing another deal for the next 20 years (apparently that kind of deal is legal in Japan). The demos they recorded earned them a legendary reputation in Japan and also found their way to Europe and North America. Bands there, intimidated by the brilliance of Fozzy's output compared with their own but aware of the fact that the band was stuck in Japan, stole their material and released it as their own. The same thing happened again when the members of Fozzy got depressed in the early nineties and started recording something they called "overcast rock," but which is known by the general public as grunge. But now that their contract has finally ended, Fozzy is back to reclaim their rightful throne as the kings of hard rock.

And the truth? Fozzy is the novelty act 'round WWF wrestler Chris Jericho (who calls himself Moongoose McQueen when singing for Fozzy). I know next to nothing about wrestling — I don't even think it is on Dutch TV — so I can't tell if Jericho's fanbase is big and loyal enough to make Fozzy sell records on his name alone. The only other member of some reputation is former Stuck Mojo guitarist Rich Ward (aka Duke LaRüe). Surprisingly enough, the CD is good enough to deserve attention without the novelty and famous member factor.

Five of the songs are covers (or Fozzy originals stolen by other bands) of which Mob Rules is the weakest track of the album. For a wrestler, Jericho is a decent singer, but Ronnie Dio's melody for this track is beyond his reach. Udo Dirkschneider is easier to imitate, and the cover of Accept's Balls To The Wall is one of the highlights, together with Iron Maiden's Where Eagles Dare. The five original tracks aren't bad either. OK, maybe at the height of the NWOBHM Fozzy wouldn't have been a top act, but nowadays traditional hard rock acts are hard to find, let alone traditional hard rock acts with three guitarists that make tracks like L.O.V.E. Machine and Crucify Yourself.

http://www.kindamuzik.net/recensie/fozzy/happenstance/1743/
Meer Fozzy op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/fozzy