Salty Dog – Lost Treasure (2025 Reissue Review)
🎸 Band: Salty Dog
💿 Album: Lost Treasure
🏷 Label: FnA Records
📅 Release Year: 2025
🕰 Content: Unreleased material from the early 90's originally meant for their second album. Briefly released in 2018 (now out of print), reissued in 2025 with 3 bonus tracks.
A Little History on Salty Dog
The Sunset Strip in the 80's had its fair share of heroes and casualties during the big hair, big riffs, and bigger egos era and Salty Dog was one of those bands that truly had something. Formed back in 1986 in Los Angeles by drummer Khurt Maier (formerly of Ratt and Max Havoc), the original lineup also included guitarist Scott Lane, bassist Michael Hannon, and eventually powerhouse frontman Jimi Bleacher, who brought vocals, guitar, piano, and even harmonica into the mix. Later on, Pete Reveen stepped in to take over on guitar when Lane left the band.
Now, while some folks lump Salty Dog into the whole “sleaze metal” category (probably because of their image), musically they were way more rooted in bluesy hard rock—with a sound that leaned more toward Zeppelin than Poison. That classic grit-meets-groove kind of vibe.
They were managed by the legendary Vicky Hamilton (yes, the Vicky Hamilton who helped launch Guns N’ Roses, Poison, and Faster Pussycat), and thanks to packed-out club shows and serious buzz, Salty Dog landed a major label deal with Geffen Records. Their debut album Every Dog Has Its Day was recorded at the iconic Rockfield Studios in Wales the same studio where Black Sabbath cut their first album and Rush laid down A Farewell to Kings. Not bad company, right?
Released in 1990, the album reached No. 176 on the Billboard 200 and got some solid critical love. The track “Come Along” even earned some airplay, and they filmed two music videos though like a lot of things back then, they weren’t without a little controversy.
Unfortunately, things went south not long after. In 1991, original vocalist Jimi Bleacher was replaced by Darrel Beach due to drugs and other personal issues, and by 1993, the Salty Dog ship had sailed. A reunion attempt fizzled, and the band officially called it quits. But before the curtain dropped, they had already written and recorded material meant for a second album a collection that never got its proper due.
That is, until now.
Lost Treasure gathers up those unreleased early-’90s tracks and gives them new life. It saw a super limited release back in 2018 but quickly disappeared and became nearly impossible to track down. Now, in 2025, FnA Records has stepped in and done it right bringing the collection back and even throwing in three bonus tracks that have never seen the light of day before.
The Music: Grit, Groove & Gold
From the moment the opening riff of "Damned If I Do" kicks in, Lost Treasure lets you know exactly what kind of ride you're in for. This isn’t just some dusty archive release this is the sound of a band in their prime, with songs that should have been heard back in the day but somehow got buried... until now.
Right off the bat, the guitar riffs and melodies are absolutely on point. They scream late ’80s and early ’90s hard rock in all the best ways. The bass tone is thick and punchy with some tasty lines sprinkled throughout, and the drums? Solid as hell. The whole band sounds locked in and ready to take on the world.
But let’s be honest the two biggest highlights on this album are the jaw-dropping guitar solos and the killer vocals. The vocal delivery throughout this release is straight-up classic: gritty, powerful, and full of attitude. It’s the kind of voice that could’ve easily held its own alongside the greats of the era.
While Salty Dog always had that irresistible sleaze-metal look (which, for the record, I absolutely love), their sound lands more in bluesy hard rock territory. Think a heavier Led Zeppelin with sleazy glam flair it’s a killer combo, and they make it work flawlessly here.
Back to the opener: "Damned If I Do" is a monster of a track. It’s got a great riff, a short but mega sweet solo, and a chorus that just sticks with you. You might find yourself thinking, “How the hell are they gonna top that?” But then comes "I Need More" and it delivers. Another catchy riff, a heavy chorus that slams in like a wrecking ball, and a fantastic solo that makes you want to hit repeat.
The album holds that same energy all the way through. There’s a real sense of momentum here they found a formula that works, and they ride it hard. Around the halfway point, they switch it up a bit with "Honeysuckle Wind," which brings in some Southern rock flavor with rich bluesy instrumentation and a stunning vocal performance. It’s a nice shift in tone that shows just how versatile this band really was.
Then, near the end, comes the crown jewel: "When Fools Rush In." This track is a bit slower and more introspective, but it shines. The guitar melodies are gorgeous, the mood is right, and the solo? Out of this world. It’s emotional, powerful, and easily my personal favorite from the entire record.
The final three songs are bonus tracks added for this 2025 reissue. While they may not quite reach the heights of the core material, they absolutely belong here. They keep the vibe consistent and offer a nice little closing act for an album that never got the spotlight it deserved.
Final Thoughts
Lost Treasure isn’t just a cool deep cut from the vault it’s a full-blown blast from the past that feels surprisingly fresh in 2025. This album proves that Salty Dog had way more in the tank than most people ever realized. It’s raw, it’s bluesy, it’s heavy, and it’s absolutely soaked in that late 80's/early 90's spirit that so many of us still crave and love.
The songs are catchy, the performances are tight, and the emotion is real. It’s the kind of release that makes you wonder “What if?” what if this album had come out back in the day? Who knows where Salty Dog might have ended up. But thanks to FnA Records, we finally get to hear what could’ve been and it’s glorious.
Whether you’re a longtime fan who’s been chasing that elusive 2018 version, or someone brand new looking to dive into some criminally underrated hard rock history this album is well worth your time.
Crank it loud, pour yourself something strong, and let Lost Treasure remind you why this era of rock was, and still is, something truly special.
🎸 Final Score: 8.5 / 10
💿 Must-hear tracks: Damned If I Do, I Need More, When Fools Rush In
🔥 Vibe: Bluesy hard rock with a glam and sleaze flair, killer solos, and a voice that nails the early 90's energy
🎧 Where to Buy, Follow & Explore More
If you're ready to get your hands on Lost Treasure and dive deeper into the world of Salty Dog, here are some must-visit links:
💿 Buy the CD
👉 Order directly from FnA Records
🔎 More on Salty Dog
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I'm always talking music (hard rock & metal, Mostly 80's and early 90's but of course more modern stuff too!), collecting CDs, vinyl, and cassettes, and sharing hidden gems. Join me on my musical journey here:
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Kick ass band and review!
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much!! I really tried my best and poured my heart and soul into it. I am somewhat new to this whole thing too so thank you!
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