Hair Metal had its heyday in the 80's and when we think of this genre some bands that might come to mind are Stryper, Crystavox, Desyre, and Holy Soldier. However, Shout was no stranger to the 80's Pop Metal scene either with their own take on this AOR sound with recognizable front man Ken Tamplin. It wasn't just the over-the-top big sound that was common with Hair Metal bands, but it was a fashion look as well that usually included colorful costumes as you can see on their two album covers. It's almost as if Hair bands live by the moniker "Go big or go home". Shout was one of those bands that you could crank up in your car with the windows down without any embarrassment because they sounded great and delivered on the Metal goods.
       Shout calls Southern California home and was formed by Ken Tamplin back in 1987. Shortly thereafter, Tamplin joined forces with former 'Idle Cure' Guitarist Chuck King. Vocalist Ken Tamplin states that the band gets its name from the biblical idea that "We're supposed to shout and make a joyful noise unto the Lord". I found some biblical references that back this idea: Psalm 98:4 states:"4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."  Psalms 33:3(ESV)"Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

       'It Won't Be Long' was the 1988 debut release by these California Rockers who took Christian Metal by storm with their high intensity Glam Metal. Even though it was their first release this was a first-class top-notch release with every aspect executed well as you might expect on a second or third release. One thing that stands out is the choir vocals that at times bring to mind big name bands like The Beach Boys, Stryper and Theocracy.
       Vocalist Ken Tamplin has a great voice that fits well with this style of Metal. His mid-range delivery is spot on, and he flawlessly reaches the higher notes. With these two ranges executed properly what we have here is a very versatile Vocalist complete with the hooks that make for a more enjoyable listening experience. Ken also plays a mean guitar and comes along side and helps support the work of guitarist Chuck King.
       Guitarist Chuck King cut his teeth playing for the Christian Hard Rock band Idle Cure. He lays down some heavy riffs on this debut album helping to establish Shout's signature sound. The guitars go from galloping riffs to driving riffs to lightning-fast solos. Needless to say, there's a fine mix of guitar play that is sure to make just about any Metal Head happy. 
       The drum work of Joseph Galletta really stand out on this album as the drums seem to be crashing down on you from above in a similar style to what we find in the early work of Drummer Robert Sweet(Stryper).
       Lyrics are evangelical with a good message as we can see here:

       Shout released their sophomore album 'In Your Face' in 1989 which was a slightly heavier version of their 1988 debut release. The old saying is "if it's not broke don't try and fix it" and with their successful debut release Shout already had a great thing going. Within the first month after the release of 'In Your Face', the album sold 40,000 copies to the excitement of the band and their fan base.
       The tune 'In Your Face' has a solo fest, so to speak, within the song that includes some impressive riffs from a few well-known names like Lanny Cordola, Marty Friedman, Alex Masi, Michael Angelo, Randy Hansen, and Joey Price.  
       Shortly after the release of 'In Your Face' in 1989, Ken Tamplin left the band in order to pursue a solo career. At the time of the departure of Tamplin, the band had sold over 100,000 records. Shortly thereafter, the band received a Dove Award for their hard work on their sophomore album 'In Your Face'.

       After a ten year wait fans would finally see another release by this powerhouse band. In 1999 Shout released their 3rd full-length album 'Shout Back' on Z Records. I must say that the album's artwork didn't continue in the same path as the previous two albums. It seems to be a trend for previous Glam bands to do something opposite to their early days as we also saw Stryper do with their 2005 release 'Reborn' which wasn't anything like their initial releases. I really think that if you have a good thing going and it's not broken you shouldn't try and fix it. 

       In 2010 Shout released 'At The Top Of Their Lungs' which is a compilation comprised of tunes off their first two releases. This 2010 release comes with an extra bonus, with an extended version of the tune "In Your Face" making it a hot collector's item for fans.

       Today, Ken Tamplin is involved with helping vocalist improve their vocal abilities and is the happy owner of his own academy which is called "Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy".

       I highly recommend Shout to any 80's Metal fan because no collection is complete with the band's material in it! Pick up an album or two today because this is one band that doesn't disappoint!

Musicians:
Ken Tamplin - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Chuck King - Lead Guitars
Loren Robinson - Bass
Mark Hugonberger - Keyboards
Dennis Holt - Drums

Guest Musician:
Lanny Cordola-Guitars