LIEGE LORD formed in 1982 but began their recording career in June 1985 with their debut release of Freedom's Rise on the Iron Works / Azra label, a US Label based in California, now famous for releasing their artists LP's as picture disks. It is rumored that at least 5 different such disks were pressed for the album, in a variety of designs and shapes, as well as a special anniversary picture disk in 1990. These are all now considered to be valuable collectibles. That same year the band signed with the now legendary French Label Black Dragon Records. This record label was responsible for the signing of such acts as Savage Grace, Candlemass and Heir Apparent. Upon it's release Freedom's Rise was received with critical acclaim. Reviews in magazines such as the Metal Forces' 1985 review: "Buy or surely die, this album is no exception, a metal classic," was mirrored by many other metal publications at the time (Rock Hard, Kerrang, Metal Hammer, and Enfer to name a few.) This LP established them as one of the founders of what was to be later termed "Power Metal."
Liege Lord's line up at the time of the release of Freedom's Rise was Matt Vinci (bass), Tony Truglio (guitar), Frank Cortese (drums), Andy Michaud (singer), and Pete McCarthy (2nd guitar). Pete was soon to leave the band during that time, which led to the induction of guitarist Paul Nelson (former Steve Vai student). The band was now drawing notice from Brian Slagel (US label Metal Blade) who signed them and subsequently released Burn to my Touch. This Album would be the one responsible for Liege Lord's growing popularity
in the U.S. Metal Rendevous in 1986: "Blown away just about describes my reaction when hearing this album, Buy or Die." Liege Lord was now becoming a band on the rise. Sharing the stage with such acts as Talas, Fates Warning, Chastain, Avenger, Sacred Reich, Raven, Anvil, and Overkill, was becoming commonplace. US radio as well as the press were now picking up on Liege Lord. Articles in Hit Parader, Circus, Powerline, Cream, Rip, as well as Billboard helped even more with the band's growing popularity. Guitar for the Practicing Musician - Dec. 1987: "An album that impressively joins metal, thrash, and energy with technical guitar skills and song writing prowess. Liege Lord is ready to make waves with Burn to My Touch". Hot Spots: "Legend" and "Castout."
