After establishing themselves as the “voice of a generation” with their undeniable 1982 classic Voice of a Generation, the Blitz story complicates. The band splits with half creating 1983’s moody, post-punk powerhouse Second Empire Justice. It’s the album punk nerds loooooove to say is their favorite Blitz record. Fast forward to ’89 where the Blitz name re-emerges with a third LP titled The Killing Dream. A record that features guitarist Nidge Miller (who was on Voice of a Generation, but not Second Empire Justice) playing all the instruments and enlisting ex-Attak vocalist Gary Basnett to handle the vocal department. If The Killing Dream was intended to reposition the Blitz narrative and create a productive resurgence of material at the level of the first LP and surrounding EPs, I personally don’t think the mark was hit. But what you do get is a fantastic-sounding late-’80s dark punk record with all the yummy street pop guitar leads that make Voice of a Generation such a beautiful release. Which brings us to a crossroads; is this mandatory Blitz? Many would argue no. But! I’m going to say that any record that features Nidge Miller playing guitar is definitely mandatory. So, do with that what you will. Nidge Miller, R.I.P. –Daryl (PHR)