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TRIUMPH Reissues Castle (2005)
Sanctuary continue their excellent repackaging of the Triumph back catalogue with these three classic album.
This Canadian power trio produced some excellent hard rock, and 1980’s Progressions Of Power Castle CMRCD1241 (their fourth album) kicks off with the blistering boogie of "I Live For The Weekend" which is well worth checking.
Powerful rhythm and some amazing guitar work. Some acoustic touches work well, and bassist Mike Levine adds some keyboards, but the formula does basically stick to the power trio set up, and it’s worth it. ****
1981’s Allied Forces (Castle CMRCD1242) was a similar affair, if a touch better. The production gives a live feel, fitting as that was their real success. Huge success and even bigger tours in the USA sadly wasn’t translated in the UK, and they only toured the UK once. ****
1982’s Never Surrender (Castle CMRCD1243) was a fitting title, as it was the last album before business deals and later, internal friction would disrupt the band. Even so, it’s as good as anything Triumph ever did. It was a time that Triumph were rivalling Rush as top rock Canadian exports. No mean feat. No small claim. But Triumph never really got the acclaim they deserved in the UK. ****
Well packaged by Sanctuary; all CDs are remastered, and the booklets come with lyrics, and good sleevenotes based on recent band interviews. Music and packaging better than most.
Review by Joe Geesin
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