Step with me into a time machine, which takes us back to the early eighties. When we get out, we see it's 1982. With this trip through space, we arrive in a time where the story of BLACKLACE begins. CARLO and ANTHONY FRAGNITO founded the band in New York. Shortly afterwards they found MARYANN SCANDIFFIO who joined them as a singer. In the early days they worked with another drummer than the one who plays on their two albums. This just didn't work out, so STEVE WERNER filled in this space. Like any other band, BLACKLACE got into the spotlight through a demo tape ON THE ATTACK (which was recorded with the first drummer, by the way). MAUSOLEUM got this tape and signed BLACKLACE.

A short while after signing the deal their debut album UNLACED was a fact and BLACKLACE did a tour as support act to the PLASMATICS, MANOWAR, ZEBRA, TALAS and TWISTED SISTER. UNLACED was quite a success. Co-produced by ROSS THE BOSS (former guitarist of MANOWAR). They sounded a bit like THE RODS, but now fronted by the raunchy female vocals of MARYANN of course. ON THE ATTACK and HOTS FOR YOU were also on the demo, which got them the record deal. The album even featured their producer JEFF WAXMANN, who plays some keyboard parts and manager BOB REICH, who did some additional background vocals. Heavy guitars, pounding drums and MARYANN'S voice contributed to the success of this album in Europe. Also, when you find a copy, don't hesitate to buy it, cause you definitely won't be disappointed. Especially the two aforementioned songs are the highlights. You can't go wrong after this, one should say. And right you are. The success they achieved with UNLACED now made BLACKLACE hungry for more.

In 1985, one year after their debut, they released GET IT WHILE IT'S HOT, and hot, they were! This album rocks your socks off. Surprisingly, you'll also hear ANTHONY sing on this one, but I much more prefer the more abrasive voice of MARYANN, I can tell you! This doesn't mean that the album doesn't rock! MAD DOG4S REVENGE is an instrumental track that shows the great musical talent within the band. The other songs are similar to those on the UNLACED album, but with a much better production. Album closer THE JIG IS UP sounds very much like ALDO NOVA'S FANTASY, but this seems to be just a coincidence, according to ANTHONY. All in all, BLACKLACE issued two very strong albums, but then suddenly seemed to drown at the top of their success. The only thing that we know for sure is, that MARYANN had a very good job, while she was in BLACKLACE and she took her job very serious. Besides her involvement with the two BLACKLACE albums, you can also hear MARYANN sing on the TRASHER album together with her friends of ANTHRAX. Former RODS drummer CARL CANEDY produced that album. Check it out also; you're in for a surprise!

Returning to earth after our trip through time, one thing still remains. BLACKLACE will always stay in our minds as a solid rock band and definitely won't be forgotten. Although the two albums might be a bit hard to find in their original LP form, record company MAUSOLEUM is reissuing these two hot items on CD. So, you'll be once again able to enjoy the great heavy sound of BLACKLACE. Get them, now they're still HOT!

Toine van Poorten
METAL MAIDENS
www.metalmaidens.com