Rediscovering TKO: A Look Inside the Total Knockout Box Set
This 5-CD collection, released by Lemon Records (part of the Cherry Red family), shines a spotlight on a band that many rock fans may have overlooked but certainly shouldn’t have. TKO, with their mix of hard rock, heavy metal, and a touch of glam, were a powerful force in the late ’70s and ’80s. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this box set a must-have for fans of classic rock and metal.
Who Were TKO?
TKO was formed in Seattle, Washington, and quickly became a staple of the American hard rock scene. The band was led by the charismatic vocalist Brad Sinsel, whose gritty voice became the hallmark of their sound. TKO’s lineup saw several changes over the years, but the core of the band during their most influential period included Rick Pierce on guitar, Evan Sheeley on bass, and Michael Alex on drums. This lineup, especially during the creation of their most iconic album In Your Face, defined the band’s sound and legacy.
This box set covers the full spectrum of TKO’s career, from their debut album Let It Roll (1979) to their later works, including unreleased demos and rarities that give fans a complete picture of the band’s evolution.
CD 1: Let It Roll (1979)
This album marked TKO’s debut and showcased their blend of hard rock and early metal influences. Tracks like “Let It Roll” and “Rock & Roll Again” are classic examples of the raw energy and power that TKO brought to the table. While this album didn’t make a huge splash at the time, it laid the groundwork for what was to come.
CD 2: Round Two: The Lost Demos (1979)
These demos give a fascinating glimpse into what could have been the band’s second album, had it been released at the time. The songs are rough around the edges but show the band’s potential and the direction they were heading in before their sound fully matured.
CD 3: In Your Face (1984)
This is the album where TKO truly found their voice. Released on Music for Nations, a label primarily known for its thrash metal acts, In Your Face stood out as a bridge between classic hard rock and the more aggressive metal sounds of the mid-80s. Tracks like “Danger City” and “I Wanna Fight” are highlights, showcasing Brad Sinsel’s powerful vocals and the band’s tight musicianship. This album is often regarded as the pinnacle of TKO’s career and is a fan favorite for good reason.
CD 4: Below the Belt (1986)
Following up on the success of In Your Face, Below the Belt pushed the band into the mid-80s with a more polished, yet still hard-hitting sound. The album features standout tracks like “One of the Boys” (a cover of Mott the Hoople) and “Rock N Roll Remains.” The production is very much of its time, with the 80s drum sound and production techniques, but the songs themselves hold up well and are a testament to TKO’s versatility.
CD 5: Suicide Squad – Live It While You Can EP / In Your Face Early Mixes
This disc includes the Suicide Squad EP, a side project that involved some of the TKO members and offers a raw, live feel that captures the energy of the band on stage. The early mixes of In Your Face provide an interesting comparison to the final album, giving fans insight into the production process and how the band’s sound was honed.
The box set is beautifully packaged in a clamshell design, with each CD housed in a replica sleeve of the original album covers. It also includes a booklet with liner notes, photos, and the story of TKO’s journey through the rock world. The input from the band members themselves adds a personal touch.
As someone who was familiar with TKO but hadn’t fully appreciated their work until now, this box set was a revelation. When I first bought Let It Roll back in the late ’70s, it didn’t quite grab me, and I put it aside. But revisiting it now, I can see the seeds of what would become a truly great rock band. The demos on Round Two are fascinating, and In Your Face has quickly become my favorite, with its blend of melody and metal edge.
For those who are new to TKO, this box set is an excellent introduction. It showcases the band’s growth and the different phases of their career, from raw debut to polished hard rock, with a few detours along the way. And for longtime fans, it’s a chance to own the definitive collection of the band’s work, complete with all the extras that make these releases from Cherry Red so special.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
