VINCENT, VINNIE, INVASION vinnie vincent invasion WWS-81771

The Ultimate Shred Metal Statement: ‘Vinnie Vincent Invasion’ (WWS-81771)

Today’s entry documents one of the most excessive, technically dazzling, and controversial debut albums in the history of 1980s heavy metal. We are examining the 1986 Japanese Promo Sample pressing of the self-titled Vinnie Vincent Invasion, released on Chrysalis Records with the catalog number WWS-81771.

Speed, Excess, and The Ankh Warrior

Released in 1986 following his tumultuous departure from KISS, guitarist Vinnie Vincent returned with a vengeance, determined to prove himself as the fastest gunslinger in the West. This album is legendary for its relentless tempo and wall-to-wall guitar solos. Vincent pushed the boundaries of the instrument, utilizing lightning-fast picking and excessive whammy bar abuse to create a sound that was virtually unprecedented at the time. Tracks like “Boyz Are Gonna Rock” became instant glam metal anthems, while the instrumental breakdown in “Animal” and the seven-minute closer “Invasion” display a level of technical ferocity that borders on the chaotic.

A Powerhouse Lineup

Beyond Vincent’s fretwork, the album is notable for its incredible lineup. The vocals were handled by Robert Fleischman, formerly of Journey, whose stratospheric range matched the intensity of the guitar work perfectly. Although Fleischman would leave shortly after recording (to be replaced by Mark Slaughter for the music videos and tour), his performance on this vinyl is widely considered the definitive version of these songs. The rhythm section is equally legendary, featuring bassist Dana Strum and drummer Bobby Rock, who manage to keep the frantic arrangements grounded with a thunderous, driving beat. The power ballad “Back On The Streets” (originally written during Vincent’s KISS tenure) remains a highlight, showcasing the band’s melodic sensibilities amidst the shredding.

The White Label Promo Grail

This specific copy is a highly coveted White Label Promo, the holy grail for collectors of this era. Unlike the standard commercial releases which feature the regular Chrysalis butterfly labels, this disc bears the stark, text-only White Labels with the Japanese characters for “Sample (Not For Sale).” These copies were the first to be distributed to Japanese media and are often prized for their superior audio quality, as they were typically pressed from fresh stampers before the mass production run began.

Immaculate Japanese Packaging

Manufactured by Toshiba EMI, the packaging is a testament to the high standards of Japanese vinyl production. The release comes complete with its original Obi strip, which is essential for the item’s investment value. Furthermore, it includes a detailed lyric insert, providing fans with the English lyrics and Japanese liner notes. For fans of 80s guitar heroism, this promo copy is the ultimate way to experience the sheer sonic force of the Vinnie Vincent Invasion.