Ever hear of XYZ? Unless you’re from France or a very specific time frame in Los Angeles, probably not. One of the most overlooked bands of the late 80’s Los Angeles scene. The group is one of the countless hair metal bands of the era. The reason I mentioned France is because the core members of the band, Pat Fontaine and Terry Ilous, are from Lyons, France. They moved to Los Angeles and quickly completed the band with some of the scenes most dynamite players. Eventually they found Mark Diglio. One of the most underrated guitarists in rock period. And Paul Monroe, a solid drummer. This line-up would record two of the genres most overlooked albums. 1989’s self-titled debut, which was produced by Don Dokken, and 1991’s ‘Hungry’. Unfortunately the band came out at the wrong time. As strong of a record as ‘Hungry’ is, it did come out in 1991. The year 98% of their peers were assassinated by MTV. XYZ are a fun band and all of a sudden it wasn’t cool to have fun in rock or metal. No matter how talented your band was. The album didn’t even chart and their label Capitol let them go. They went independent. Diglio and Monroe left the room and were replaced by Tony Burnett (guitars) and Joey Sharpio (Drums). The band finished the tour ‘Hungry’ tour and split up. They reunited in 2002 and recorded 2003’s ‘Letters to God’. While many of their peers had lost their former glory. XYZ had matured and released an album so unexpectedly good it almost doesn’t make sense. But what the album really is, is proof that XYZ are not just some b-list hair metal band from the late 80’s. While the era did churn out one b-list band after another, XYZ were a cut above. On the same level with greats such as Motley Crue and Warrant. However, they get lumped in with the b-list’s. At the end of the day there were simply too many of these bands being singed and releasing material. When a scene over saturates itself it becomes moot. And XYZ, unfortunately, were caught right in the middle of it. The band still continues to play shows and do small tours and festivals. They sound incredible live by the way. Remarkably crisp and accurate. And they also make it look easy. If you get a chance check out any of their three albums. You won’t regret it.
Only 95 views. Such a shame more people don’t know this great song.
Great, heavy groove.
MILF fest. But seriously the band sounds amazing.
