I had never heard of this band before, but then again, I suspect a lot of people haven't. N.Y.C. could be seen as a super band, as founding member Tommy Bolan (WARLOCK) as well as his compatriots Steve Unger (METAL CHURCH) and Stet Howland (METAL CHURCH, WASP) all can attest to the fact that they have earned their stripes in other bands. And that is one thing that becomes very clear when opening song "Heavy As Hell" starts blasting through your speakers. On this album, "Built To Destroy", the band plays Heavy Metal, and if you want references, you need to think of the darker sound of TYPE O NEGATIVE in combination with the guitar works and riffing that is very reminiscent of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, but only as influences. Now you have an idea what you can expect.

The furious start is then followed with "Twisted", another blasting song that will enter your brain in the best way. Unfortunately, after these two the band goes through a change. "United" is still on the right side of it all, although the harmony vocals take away a lot of the intensity that was so prevalent in the first two songs. The next two songs of "Built To Destroy" are okay, but just lack the convincing sound and structures that made the first two stand out. I'm not going to tell you that the songs are bad, they just don't excite or woo me in any way or form. I can enjoy them, but I feel that in comparison with the other songs these are a bit below par. Then you get another stomping good one with "Let's Roll (40 Brave)", before you get two lesser ones again. Thankfully N.Y.C. is able to redeem themselves from "Full Tilt" onward.

What becomes clear, at least for me, is that these guys come over a lot stronger, make a lot better impression when they play loud and straight ahead. That's when their class and experience shows itself, when they really have an impact with "Built To Destroy". And even though "Gasoline" is almost a Southern Rock power ballad in feel and atmosphere, the music in conjunction with the message give off a very strong message. And the songs surrounding this one make sure that N.Y.C. ends on a high concerning making an impression that is impressive, with the title song "Built To Destroy" being a perfect closing tune for N.Y.C.