Almost exactly 12 years ago I wrote:
Alkana's sole release is a really strong hard rock album from California with great riffs influenced no doubt by prime 70's era Judas Priest. Throw in a cool 11+ minute epic and you have one great album. Easily 2 to 3 years ahead of its time in both sound and composition. In the big leagues with other sophisticated private US hard rock bands like early Manilla Road, Legend's From the Fjords, Winterhawk, and Granmax's Kiss Heaven Goodbye.
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In hearing the album again last night, not too much more to add. The band is named for guitarist and lead singer Danney Alkana and were based in San Bernardino. Side 1 is down and dirty hard rock with topical titles like 'California Rock & Roll' and 'On Our Own'. Side 2 is the "head" side with longer, more thoughtful tracks like 'Paradise' and the aforementioned epic 'The Tower'. Not quite as heavy as 1978 era Van Halen, but Alkana comes in second for Californian hard rock - with an additional slightly proggy past. Essential hard rock here.
Ownership: LP: 1978 Baby Bird. Single sleeve with lyric insert. Recent online acquisition (2023). Not a cheap album by any means. Never been reissued legit. One error to call out: The back cover mixes A2 and B3. The labels are correct.
7/19/11 (RYM); 7/25/23 (new entry)
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