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Dominator = Slipcase = (CD)
With 1988's Dominator, Cloven Hoof stepped away from their competent, but not truly unique, form of NWOBHM and acheived perfection in USPM/heavy metal. With their third album, Cloven Hoof really started to carve out there own niche in the metal world. Every band member from the debut, with the exception of bassist, Lee Payne, had been replaced by this point, and in each case the change was an improvement. The new singer, Russ North, is one of the greatest voices in metal. The best comparison I can give is to Harry Conklin of Jag Panzer. North's voice is very deep and rich, but he also has quite a range, as showcased on songs like "Reach For the Sky." New guitarist, Andy Wood, is also marginally better than his predescesor. The riff work is excellent throughout the whole album and the solos are melodic and enjoyable. All elements of the music come together so perfectly, it should have been inconceivable that Dominator could be anything but flawless. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
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