Hailing from Norwalk, CT, Steelheart was one of the very last hair metal bands to score a hit with a power ballad, just before Nirvana and their ilk exterminated the genre completely. Originally called Red Alert, the quartet (which included singer Michael Matijevic, guitarist Chris Risola, bassist James Ward, and drummer Frank Dicostanzo) spent most of the decade playing the tri-state area and honing their act. After years of hard work, the band finally secured a record deal with MCA, and changed their name to Steelheart. 1991 saw the release of their self-titled debut, which spawned the hit power ballad, "Never Let You Go," which reached number 14 on the Billboard singles chart. The band quickly began work on their sophomore effort, Tangled in Reins, which was released a year later. But tragedy was lurking just around the corner -- at a Halloween show opening for Slaughter at McNichol's Arena in Denver, CO, Matijevic was struck in the head by a lighting truss, knocking him to the ground face first, and he sustained serious head injuries. Forced to take a break for their singer to recover, the musical climate had changed dramatically, resulting in the band calling it a day shortly thereafter. But by 2000, the group had reunited and issued a third album, titled Wait. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
