Step into a time machine and relive the electrifying era of glam metal with Vinnie Vincent Invasion's "That Time Of Year."
The Song
"That Time Of Year" is a powerful ballad featured on Vinnie Vincent Invasion's second and final studio album, All Systems Go, released on May 2, 1988. The track showcases the band's signature blend of soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and melodic hard rock sensibilities that defined the late 80s glam metal scene. It quickly became a fan favorite, praised for its emotional depth and Mark Slaughter's impressive vocal range.
The song stands out on an album generally recognized for its shredding guitars and high-energy anthems. Its more introspective and melodic approach offered a different facet of the band's musical prowess, highlighting their versatility. Alongside "Love Kills," "That Time Of Year" was one of two singles from the album to have a music video.
The Artist
Vinnie Vincent Invasion was an American glam metal band formed in 1984 by former Kiss guitarist Vinnie Vincent. After his departure from Kiss, Vincent sought to create a band that would allow him full creative control, leading to the formation of the Invasion. The lineup for the All Systems Go album, and thus for "That Time Of Year," consisted of Vinnie Vincent on guitars and backing vocals, Mark Slaughter on lead vocals, Dana Strum on bass and backing vocals, and Bobby Rock on drums.
The band was known for Vincent's incredibly fast and technical guitar playing, often featuring lengthy and complex solos. While the band's initial debut album featured Robert Fleischman on vocals, Mark Slaughter took over for All Systems Go, bringing his distinctive vocal style to the group.
Chart Performance
The album All Systems Go, which includes "That Time Of Year," peaked at No. 64 on the Billboard 200 chart. While "That Time Of Year" was released as a single and had a music video, specific individual chart performance data for the single itself is not readily available in the provided search results. However, its inclusion on a charting album and the creation of a music video indicate it was considered a key track by the band and their label.
The album's lead single, "Love Kills," was also featured on the soundtrack for A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, which garnered additional attention for the band and album.
Cultural Impact
"That Time Of Year" is remembered as a quintessential glam metal ballad from the late 1980s, encapsulating the melodic and emotional essence of the era. Although Vinnie Vincent Invasion itself was relatively short-lived, disbanding after the All Systems Go tour at the end of August 1988, the album played a significant role in launching the careers of Mark Slaughter and Dana Strum. They would go on to form the multi-platinum selling band Slaughter just a few years later.
The song, and the album it hails from, serves as a testament to Vinnie Vincent's formidable guitar talents, often showcasing a flashier and more uninhibited style than he was able to display with Kiss. It remains a nostalgic touchstone for fans of 80s hard rock and hair metal.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "That Time Of Year" was directed by Nigel Dick, a prolific director known for working with numerous rock and pop artists.
- The video features Vinnie Vincent Invasion performing on a stage illuminated with blue and purple lights, interspersed with black and white clips of a woman.
- Jeff Scott Soto, known for his work with Yngwie Malmsteen, contributed backing vocals to the All Systems Go album.
- A remastered version of "That Time Of Year" was included on the 2008 tribute album Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent.
- The album All Systems Go was the second and final studio offering from Vinnie Vincent Invasion before the band dissolved.