VELOCITY impact AVCB-66039

High-Octane American Rock: Velocity’s ‘Impact’ (AVCB-66039)

Today’s entry spotlights a hidden gem of late 90s melodic hard rock. We are looking at the debut album “Impact” by the American project Velocity, released in Japan on June 24, 1998, via the Bareknuckle label (Avex) with the catalog number AVCB-66039. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.

Velocity was the creative vehicle for vocalist and multi-instrumentalist David Victor (who would later go on to perform with the band Boston) and lead guitarist Chris Dodge. Released during a time when alternative rock dominated the airwaves, “Impact” served as a defiant celebration of the classic 80s American hard rock sound.

The album is perhaps most notable to collectors for its prestigious guest musician: the late, great Pat Torpey, drummer of Mr. Big. Torpey provides his signature tight, driving rhythm tracks throughout the album, elevating the material with his world-class groove.

Musically, the album delivers exactly what the title promises. It is a collection of punchy, “dry” American hard rock featuring catchy melodies, intricate guitar work, and Victor’s powerful high-register vocals. Tracks like “You Don’t Amaze Me Anymore” and “Supernatural Lover” evoke the nostalgia of the glam and melodic metal era with a crisp production.

AVCB-66039 is a high-quality Japanese release that comes with a fold-out insert featuring liner notes by Jun Kawai and translated lyrics. For fans of Mr. Big and enthusiasts of high-quality, melodic American hard rock, this album is a satisfying discovery.