Let's talk about an obscure band that never gets any respect. Screamer released a
marvelous record in 1988 called "Target Earth". The album proved to be a cult
metal sensation, recalling the finest moments of "Piece Of Mind" era Maiden and
"Awaken The Guardian" era Fates Warning. After that fabulous gem, the group
disappeared forever. I want to know why.
Very little is known about Screamer, with my tired little digits scanning the web for any
hint of the band's existence. Unfortunately all I have to go off of is the CD I own, that
being the group's only album "Target Earth", a rare find indeed. From the info
inside it looks like Screamer were from Chicago, Illinois, home of one of metal's finest,
the doomy legends Trouble. The album was recorded at Streetville Studios in Chicago and
mixed, produced, and mastered by Tim Hale. The album was released by New Renaissance
Records, who made their mark releasing classic albums from Anvil Bitch, At War, and
Hellion.
Musically Screamer are very traditional, combining twin guitar harmony with a driving bass
rhythm that is slightly in the same vein as Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), but at times more
rigid like D.D. Verni's playing (Overkill). Ronny Valeo and Michael Schantek combine on
some perfectly penned guitar work, really taking the time to deliver quality axework with
melody, precision, and accuracy, displaying soaring leads whenever possible, and driving
forward with a will to captivate their listener with calculated riffs.
Vocalist Bill Carter is absolutely brilliant here, hitting Geoff Tate highs (Queensryche)
and carrying the notes for what seems like an eternity. Rarely does a vocalist achieve
this level of greatness. At times his voice is like Warrel Dane (Sanctuary era) crossed
with Ronnie James Dio. The melodic nature of his voice fits perfectly with this band,
making Screamer the heavy metal version of Journey.
From soaring stormbringers like "Visionary" to the new wave influenced
"Time Master", Screamer show off a talent and ability to take control, to rule
over everything and everyone in a time when metal was supreme. Bands like Screamer rarely
come along, and when they do they take the world by storm. For whatever reason Screamer
never got the proper push, their intense energy and thought provoking tales were never
heard. This is the band that should have been touring with Queensryche or Maiden.
This is the band that got left behind. Somehow they became lost to us, and one treasured
album is all that is left.
In 2008, Screamer released the album 'What Excites You'.