Bringing back a lot of the fiery melodic hard rock influences of the 80s tempered with a classic heavy metal bite, Detroit, Michigan is the stomping ground of Wanted – a five-piece outfit formed in 2021 with two full-length releases already under their belts with Chain Reaction and Late Attraction. Gaining a new drummer in Chris Rajt, this third album Cutting Edge contains a lot of trademarks that straddle the lines of early 80s US metal with highly infectious melodies and hooks from rockers to emotionally charged, semi-ballads. It’s almost as if you could close your eyes and experience the versatility of 1984 all over again, just given a proper 2025 production sheen.
The immediate impact of strong musical hooks, supreme vocal melodies, and infectious supportive harmonies provides ample punch for the steady rhythm section work to keep the ship steered in the right direction. Upon first listen the energetic, double kick-fueled “Armed For Action” and mid-tempo, Dokken-esque “Override” garner buzzworthy accolades – the latter showcasing a bit more of vocalist Sterling Primeau’s seductive, playful nature to his midrange and higher octave prowess next to some fleet of finger / shred attacks of lead guitarist Alan Mares. Anyone into early Rough Cutt or the commercial sides of quintessential Queensrÿche circa Operation: Mindcrime or Empire will enjoy how “Chained to Your Love” unfolds – chock full of serene to heavier buildups from verses to chorus, leading to a great payoff in the dual guitar harmonies and fluid, emotive axe play. Other songs certainly have specific reference points – “Take Me Away” with its mid-tempo swagger and open rhythm section/ guitar interplay could be a lost cut from Ratt’s Out of the Cellar, while the bouncier “Knock It Down” seems on par with 80s Judas Priest and Ozzy.
Wanted would be the first to admit that they aren’t exactly reinventing the melodic hard rock/metal playbook with Cutting Edge. Instead, they play to their strengths, emphasize a solid framework and keep the listener engaged by throwing down a great mix of catchy tracks that are headbanging as they are memorable. Those of you into the catalog of Striker beyond the already mentioned artists would be wise to add this record to your vast collection.