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WANTED
Cutting Edge

Eönian (2025)
Rating: 8/10

Since their debut full-length album Chain Reaction in 2022, Detroit, Michigan-based combo Wanted have been one of my favourite heavy rock bands. And with this latest outing, Wanted have once again delivered a sumptuous display of sizzling rock that successfully bridges the gap between Dokken, White Lion and Ratt, but with a contemporary shine.

Just like their superb second opus Late Attraction, Wanted continue to swagger through the steamy halcyon days of the 80s hair metal scene. They strut down the boulevard to their own cocksure soundtrack of vocalist Sterling Primeau’s cool tones. The likes of ‘Override’, ‘Knock It Down’ and ‘Chained To Your Love’ are fine yet varied examples of heavy rock, but there’s no filler here, just melodic gold edged by the shred heaven of lead guitarist Alan Mares.

‘Armed For Action’ has a bit of an L.A. Guns vibe, more so on the chorus, while the title track is rather robust, striding with the confident percussion. If, like me, you’ve followed these guys then you may be aware of the few line-up changes which have occurred, particularly in the vocal department, but Wanted remain headstrong and exuberant as epitomised on the cool kick of ‘Power’ and sizzling closer ‘Prowl Alive’. Streaks of Kix merge with the axe work of the late John Sykes as Wanted orchestrate familiar yet fun strokes of steel.

Every song here is well executed to the point of sending nostalgic signals down the spine of the listener. Having said that, Cutting Edge is my least favourite of the trio of albums released to-date, but then again that debut was simply scintillating. Cutting Edge is still quite the joyride, even if I knew exactly what to expect. The mid-to-late 80s would be proud!

Neil Arnold

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