For as long as I remember Metal music, it seems that religion can go hand in hand with Metal, especially Christianity, since Christians invented Heavy Metal. However, we all know that Metal isn't the sole commodity of the Christians right? I think that we do. The 80s era, back in its glorious days, came up with several great Christian Metal acts that truly made an impact like STRYPER for instance that with a pompous act rocked the world in the name of what is holy and just with widespread optimism to trust our lord and savior. Call it a career build up. STUTZ (Which in Hebrew by the way is a Midnight Stand, so it was a bit funny at first glance), one of the many Christian Metal acts that played in the name of purity, in a way crashed and burned after showing great potential in the late 80 leaving behind two studio albums. This here release, "Marching To Hell", one of the three lately released by Stormspell Records, is a sort of a Remastered extended version of the band's album "Tearin' Up The Night". After tuning to this old relic, I pretty much came to comprehend why this band didn't last.

In general, STUTZ put up a fine show and seemed to me like a fine prospect. Their material played in the vein of IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, DOKKEN, TWISTED SISTER, STRYPER with flairs of cool Hard Rock alongside the nasty Metal edge. Though I don't think that these guys were angel material back in their time, they showed some great Metal gifts consisting of harmonized vocals, ordinary but tight riffages, well written and performed lead guitars, and a large majority of impressive rhythms and beats. I have to admit that unlike other acts using Keyboards, STUTZ used those well. "Love Struck" creates a Glammy like feel with all over the place lyrics but strong riffing and a convincing choruses mounted by a nice aura. "Tearin' Up The Night" and "Give Me A Woman That Rocks" are plain Metal anthems that TWISTED SISTER would have been proud to have in their song arsenal. "Searching" felt more spiritual but still engulfed by great melodic music.

All in all, this release was pretty nice but more or less told the tale of this band. Whether good or not, the material repeated itself. The last couple of songs, which were recorded in 1988 were pretty crappy and uninteresting like "Shot Down" and "Playing With My Heart" that touched the bottom. You can blame it on the 90s that didn't fall for these songs but there is a limit. I would have paid respects for these guys for a fine work but with the cutting of the additions.