Review Summary: Sebastian Bach, love him or hate him is truly a memorable vocalist. His newest release is a clinic on how to resurrect your career in rock music the right way. Sonic, melodic and balls to the wall this is one album that will not disappoint you this year.
Kicking and Screaming. It sounds like 80’s poster boy Sebastian Bach did quite a bit of that on his latest release. Not in a bad way though, this is one of the most thoroughly enjoyable releases from any artist associated with the hair band movement of the late 80’s and early 90’s yet. Maintaining drummer Bobby Jarzombek (Halford, RIOT) from his 2007 release Angel Down and adding the virtuoso level guitar work of Nick Sterling Bach unleashes the sonic fury over 13 tracks.
The recording and production are absolutely beautiful on this release. Bach used producer Bob Marlette who has worked with bands like Shinedown and Black Sabbath in the past to make this a memorable listen. The rhythm behind Bach is the strongest (and heaviest) that it’s been since his days in Skid Row. The drum work of Jarzombek stands out particularly, though that’s not to take anything away from Sterling who handles both guitar and bass for this release.
It however it not a perfect release. For every killer track on this cd there’s at least one track of filler waiting as bait for your skip button. Stand out rockers are My Own Worst Enemy and Dance on Your Grave. I’m Alive is the ‘token ballad’ on the cd and it’s well done and just about everything you would expect from Sebastian Bach and friends. Still, the latter half of this effort may leave you a little dry.
The one thing that really makes this release shine though is Sebastian Bach himself. Over 40 now, Bach sounds as good as he did when he was in his early 20’s. Whether it be the more melodic style on songs like I’m Alive or Dream Forever or the Banshee wails on songs like One Good Reason there’s something to love here for all fans of Bach.
On repeat:
One Good Reason
Dance On Your Grave
My Own Worst Enemy
Getting skipped:
Lost In The Light
Wishin’
