Under the Blade

Under the Blade is the debut album by Twisted Sister, who had built a following in New York-area clubs since the 1970s but were turned down by American labels, finally recording it after moving to a UK caught up in the NWOBHM and signing to Secret Records. Produced by UFO’s Pete Way in the primitive setting of a barn packed with hay bales, it carries a far harder, more aggressive sound than the band’s later visual spectacle. Dee Snider (vocals), Jay Jay French (guitar), Eddie Ojeda (guitar), Mark Mendoza (bass) and A.J. Pero (drums) sealed their club-forged momentum onto tape. From the tension of the title track “Under the Blade” and the drive of “Shoot 'Em Down” to the defiance of “Bad Boys (of Rock 'n' Roll),” the songs strip away decoration and push through on thick guitars and heavy rhythm. Motörhead’s “Fast” Eddie Clarke guests on “Tear It Loose.” It peaked at number 70 on the UK Albums Chart with no singles, yet its raw feel keeps it a fan favorite. It marks the band’s origin in unadorned rebellion.