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STAINLESS
Lady Of Lust & Steel

High Roller (2026)
Rating: 8/10

Not to be confused with numerous other acts of the same moniker, this particular Stainless conjures the fiery spirit of classic W.A.S.P. and vintage Mötley Crüe. Fiery riffs and raucous vocals are the main ingredients for this mid-80s metal cauldron from Portland, Oregon. The whole shebang is fronted by Larissa Cavacece, a formidable throat and stunning presence who adds further sleaze to a hotbed of what is already smouldering and sizzling.

The title song fluidly runs over hot coals, steaming from every portal and bringing the Boris Vallejo-styled album cover art to life. At their most nostalgic, Stainless evokes images of vintage metal fantasy, but at their most diverse there are some silky, smoky rock n’ roll moments, a standout being ‘Take A Listen Mama’. Larissa’s vocals are pure gravel as she swoops and croons over a lighter shade of bluesy rock.

On ‘Rough Justice’ hints of Saxon emerge, the combo quite content to take a New Wave Of British Heavy Metal drill, while elsewhere there are dashes of AC/DC, Whitesnake, W.A.S.P. and lesser known defunct Texans Young Heart Attack. Cocksure from the off with ‘Restless An’ Ready’, the band steers towards an AC/DC vibe, keeping things simple yet effective and authentic with a whiskey soaked attitude and drive.

Elsewhere, things really heat up with ‘(Don’t Cross Me) Fool’ which begins with a funky Jimi Hendrix groove before drifting to an intriguing mix of Smashed Gladys and Skid Row. The sassy riff adds extra vibrancy and cheek, whereas in contrast ‘Whorefrost’ is borderline Judas Priest fused with Phantom Blue or Meldrum. Larissa lowers her tone, bellowing within the steel and fire like a demonic banshee. As equally feisty, ‘Danger In The Night’ gallops like Accept, not dragging its heels for one moment but instead speeding with precision. Meanwhile, ‘Vitamin Tease’ slows the pace, providing further mid-tempo hooks from a band which clearly has the drive and energy to be noticed.

While very much camped in the realm of nostalgic heavy metal, to call the album such wouldn’t do it justice. Stainless is a heavy rock n’ roll band, and you better take the ride.

Neil Arnold

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