Icon — Icon

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

39 years ago today, “Killer Machine” was ready for “World War”!

On this day (July 7) in 1984, Icon released their debut full-length studio album, “Icon” via Capital Records.

Background:

Originally known as The Schoolboys in 1979 (maybe earlier), Icon was formed in 1981, in Phoenix, Arizona, United States, by high school friends Dan Wexler (guitar), Stephen Clifford (lead vocals) and Tracy Wallach (bass). They were joined by Dave Henzerling (guitar) and John Covington (drums). Schoolboys released an EP Singin' Shoutin' and had a few songs on compilation albums. In 1984, Icon was signed to Capitol Records. By this point, Henzerling and Covington had left the band and were replaced by John Aquilino (guitar) and Pat Dixon (drums) (former drummer for Loosely Tight).

Icon then released their self-titled debut, which was produced by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records fame. The album included their biggest Metal radio hit song, "On Your Feet". The album was re-released the same year with songs 1 and 3 re-mixed, and a video was made for the remix of "On Your Feet".

Following the release of Icon’s self-titled debut, the band toured in support of the album. The tour set list featured quite a few new songs intended for the next album as well as a few Deep Purple ("Highway Star") and Judas Priest covers.

The album has seen multiple re-releases on CD, in Japan and on the European labels Bear Tracks, AxeKiller and Rock Candy.

Critical Reception:

In his review for AllMusic, Rob Theakston stated;

“Vocalist Stephen Clifford may sound a bit like Quiet Riot’s Kevin DuBrow or Blackie Lawless of W.A.S.P., but that's a mere oversight compared to what this record has to offer. For fans of an era gone by who still searching the vaults for hidden treasures, Icon includes several gems that bear repeat listening for a long time to come. It's essential listening for those who missed it the first time around.”

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

Click this link to listen to “Icon” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/icon/1488043947

Click this link to listen to “Icon” via Spotify: Icon https://open.spotify.com/album/4iX3Lfd4lBevklD0VTnPXw

Click this link to watch the official music video for “On Your Feet”: https://youtu.be/cvCWNspATjY

Click this link to follow Icon on Facebook: Not on Social Media

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

Icon — Icon

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