Ruffians
Desert of Tears

Release date: October 20th 2006
Label:
Metal Heaven
Provided by: GerMusica
Website:
www.ruffians.org
Style: Heavy Metal

Rating: 56/100
Cover artwork rating: 75/100
Reviewed by:
Peter Laursen
Date:
October 20th 2006

This is my first encounter with Ruffians formed back in the early 80’s and it could very well be my last… because I’m not exactly stunned. In early 1989 the band split up, but the fans and supporters remained to this day, making a Ruffians reunion a reality when the band was invited to play Germany's legendary Bang Your Head Festival in June of 2004.

Now, I’m sitting here with their much anticipated new album titled "Desert of Tears " and I find myself somewhere between heaven and hell. I actually enjoy listening to this album but when the CD is done I find myself in a corner of my living room shouting; - What??? I like their music, especially their guitar riffs but I do not remember any of the tracks, except for “Live by the Sword” and a few riffs!!!

Some of their songs remind me a tad of early Saxon and I can’t just say I’m a fan of Saxon. Their music goes in one ear, and out the other. Of course it all comes down to a matter of taste, but “ Desert of Tears ” does not much for me.

The production is good and the cover artwork is fine and I’m sure that fans of Ruffians will dig this album. But the rest of you should listen before you buy.  

My favourite track: “Live by the Sword”.