Theatre of Pain

iTunes Review

Released in June of 1985, Theater of Pain finds Motley Crue in a personal and creative ebb. Vince Neil was facing charges of vehicular manslaughter in connection with the drunk-driving death of Motley pal and Hanoi Rocks drummer Razzle Dingley, but the rude awakening had not helped to slow the other members’ worsening addictions. In addition, the Crue was searching for an identity in the rapidly changing metal scene, where tastes would shift from Judas Priest to Poison to Guns N’ Roses in just a matter of years. But like determined hosts, Motley kept the party going. Highlights include “City Boy Blues” and a cover of Brownsville Station’s “Smokin’ In the Boys Room,” two cocksure, bluesy struts that start off the album in fine style. “Louder Than Hell” is a grinding headbanger than has the band swearing allegiance to their debauched lifestyle, while “Home Sweet Home” is perhaps their most pompous, but memorable, power ballad. The plodding “Save Our Souls” and the regrettable Twisted Sister rip-off “Raise Your Hands To Rock” are missing the fire that ignites Motley’s best songs, but the whiplash velocity of “Use It Or Lose It” is a surging reminder of the fire this band brings when they’re on.