I quite honestly love RYFAY. It is in my top 10 alice, maybe even top 5.
I brought this on some generic caravan holiday with my family (i was already a fan but didnt have constrictor or RYFAY at this point) . I had no means to play it at all. So i literally studied it from top to bottom for like 4 days! I was nearly salivating by the time i got to listen to the album. And boy did it not disappoint!
The energy and drive on the album is undeniable - the vocals are some of Alices best ever, the aggression, hunger and power are just stunning - along with his trademark sneer which is in full effect.
Kane Roberts Managed to perform sterling heavy metal with a unique twist that no one of the time replicated, his unique style of playing allowed alice and the band to push the energy higher and carve a niche in a crowded market. His trademark guitar sound was a rally cry to anyone into energetic heavy metal.
Ken Mary on drums is a powerhouse performer who matched kanes bravado beat for beat. Barely letting up the pace for the whole album.
Kip Winger is the unsung hero in this, his bass is not showy or competing with anyone, it is just a through line for the band to follow. And if nothing else the haunting Gail wouldn't be the same without him.
I know some people sneer at the lyrics and how cheesy they are etc. I don't follow this at all, he is delivering a horror movie in musical form. Horror can be smart and creepy, it can be over the top and bloody. Alice went straight for the jugular! The second side ("summer of blood" collection) is a shining beacon in this regard.
I have read the comments and I think some people have written some intelligent pieces on this albums time and place etc.
But i got into it outside of its time and place (around '94) I just adore it and i would give anything to have seen that tour.
Fave songs:
Lock Me up - that ken mary drum start and Robert englunds intro is just killer
Step On You - Lyrics are so-so, but i dont care, Kane is on fire on this song and you can hear the energy and enthusiasm in alices voice, especially in the guitar break.
Prince Of Darkness - A epic song to hold the album together - A stunning guitar break from kane (although not my fave of his) with every band member delivering the goods.
Summer of blood (time to kill/chop,chop,chop/gail/roses on white lace) - i love them all but if i had to pick one its roses on white lace. One of my top guitar solos of all time (from anyone) with ken mary matching him all the way, alice is at his malicious best with a deliciously twisted end to the album absolute killer track.
One of my dream scenarios would have been this line up recording in the studio a best of compilation, all the old hits, in the style of how they played them live. I love that they tore up the rule book and just kicked ass live - nightmare returns is my fave alice live dvd bar none (i think unless live in the flesh comes out
)