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White Lion had everything they needed to survive the early 80's big hair, big drums, big guitars, big hooks and later down the road the big production. The album closes with "The Road To Valhalla" a song that builds from a typical early 80's piano ballad to a guitar heavy, power ballad. I have no doubt that Felix Robinson brought some of the Angel influence into the band. Songs like "All The Fallen Men", "El Salvador" and "In The City" all rock hard, but also have that American pomp that is straight out of the 70's. For the time, however, White Lion were playing some decent hard rock. When an album starts off with a sappy song about mending a broken heart, what else can be deduced? "Broken Heart" would later be re-recorded for "Mane Attraction" and would become even more polished. I know that is politically incorrect, but it's the truth. White Lion are the very epitome of "hair metal" and are without a doubt, a chick rock. "Fight To Survive" was produced by German producer Peter Hauke, who gives the band a polished sound, though not nearly as polished and keyboard heavy as later releases. independent label finally released "Fight To Survive" in the US on November 9, 1985.

The album was later picked up and released on Victor Records in Japan in 1984. I'm not sure what they were thinking but the music is melodic and not overly heavy, especially when you consider what was going on with the NWOBHM movement in 1982. From what I have read, the label felt the album was "too heavy". However, the label didn't like what they heard and dropped the band.

The original band included ex- Angel bassist Felix Robinson and drummer Nicki Capozzi. Eventually White Lion were signed to Elektra Records and recorded this debut for that label. I'm pretty sure that I caught these guys live opening for Anthrax once at this same club. As I recall they were regulars at the L'Amour club. The band were immensely popular in New York and could easily pack a club. White Lion were formed in November 1982 by ex- Dreamer guitarist Vito Bratta and Mabel and Studs vocalist Mike Tramp, after moving from Denmark to New York in 1982. White Lion - Fight To Survive (Dead Line) 1984 No Life Til Metal - CD Gallery - White Lion