Reign of Love

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the killer track "Reign of Love" by Hurricane from their 1990 album Slave to the Thrill, and the Zoo Freaks are totally vibing. This song, the opener of the album, is a high-energy, hook-filled banger that sets the tone for Hurricane’s slick brand of hair metal. In a past interview, vocalist Kelly Hansen reflected on the making of Slave to the Thrill, noting how the band took a full year to craft the album, a luxury in today’s fast-paced music world. He mentioned with a nostalgic chuckle that "Reign of Love" was designed to grab listeners right out of the gate with its infectious melody and driving rhythm, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic playlist.

One cool piece of trivia about "Reign of Love" is its role in showcasing the band’s new guitarist at the time, Doug Aldrich, who replaced founding member Robert Sarzo in 1989. Aldrich, fresh off his stint with Lion, brought a bluesy, Whitesnake-esque edge to the track, which fans on the Hurricane Fan Club Facebook group still rave about. According to a review on Sea of Tranquility, the song’s “killer riffs and hooks” made it a standout, though the album’s lack of promotion due to label issues at Enigma Records meant it never got the airplay it deserved. Zoo Freaks might also dig knowing that the song’s anthemic vibe was crafted to echo influences like Foreigner and Aerosmith, with Hansen’s vocals drawing comparisons to Lou Gramm.

Hurricane’s journey kicked off in the mid-1980s in Los Angeles, the heart of the hair metal scene. Formed by brothers Kelly Hansen (vocals) and Tony Cavazo (bass), along with guitarist Robert Sarzo and drummer Jay Schellen, the band quickly built a following on the Sunset Strip. According to their bio on Hurricane’s official website, they were inspired by the raw energy of bands like Van Halen and the melodic hooks of Dokken. Their early gigs at iconic spots like the Whisky a Go Go and the Roxy helped them land a deal with Enigma Records. Despite lineup changes, including Aldrich’s arrival for Slave to the Thrill, Hurricane’s commitment to catchy, hard-hitting rock kept them a fan favorite, as seen in posts on their Instagram.

Though Hurricane faced setbacks, like the collapse of Enigma Records, which stalled their momentum post-Slave to the Thrill, their legacy lives on through dedicated fans. The Hurricane Official Facebook page regularly shares throwback photos and clips, keeping the Zoo Freaks hyped. On X, the band occasionally interacts with fans, reminiscing about their ’80s heyday. For those wanting to dive deeper, fan-run sites like HurricaneFanSite.com offer detailed discographies and rare live footage. The 80s Metal Hurricane Fans Facebook group is another spot where Zoo Freaks can connect, swapping stories about tracks like "Reign of Love" and debating the band’s best riffs.