Black Star Riders, All Hell Breaks Loose (Nuclear Blast)
I was hoping to review this album without saying Thin Lizzy but it can't be done. As it really does sound so much like them at times. And I do feel they have not went all out to do this as some of the album does sound pretty much not like Thin Lizzy.
As you may or may not know Thin Lizzy tour the world playing gigs with the band containing one former member in Scot Gorham but the band was formed with many other very talented musicians. But a few years ago a big addition for me in the line up in Ricky Warwick. Ex the Almighty he really does have a great voice for the band and the sound of Lizzy.
So long story short the band get on so well a new album could be made and here it is. Under the name of Black Star Riders they have done the right thing and not used the name. but is it any good?
Yes I do like it but as I say it is kind of a mix of Lizzy and all out classic rock. Opener "All Hell Breaks Loose" is a great single and a song you would struggle to link to the former band. Catchy and a friendly rock radio tune. "Bound for Glory" has that twin guitar riff and I have to say I did have a chill in my spine (us music fans know that a great feeling) Could it be them? It is a great song and could fit in around 1978.
"Kingdom Of The Lost" has some nice Irish folk sounds to it before the classic Lizzy sound blasts out. Ricky does some great work with his vocals here and makes the track his. Warwick a few years ago made a solo album in a similar style called "Belfast Confetti" like this track and you will walk over broken glass for that one. Catchy and it will stay in the mind for weeks.
"Bloodshot" has a more new feel to it and shows the band can break away a bit. Still sounds similar as the other material but the choruses are there. Few tracks in and the album does settle well "Hey Judas" brings back some nice memories. Fond memories and that chill is back again. Nice and melodic the song is a slow number.
The band does have great musicians and you can hear Jimmy DeGrasso has the backround to play here, drumming for Megadeth and Alice Cooper he takes "Valley Of The Stones" on as his own. The riffs are back again in "Someday Salvation" twin riffs and nice rhythm guitar keep the music fresh.
Final track "Blues Ain't So Bad" is the longest by some distance but it does feel like it should be here, more of an instrumental it shows the band in a really different area. Making simple guitar noises and bass notes plucked out of know where. I think hardened Lizzy fans may not like it but new comers will love it for its change in scope on the album.
So it can be called Lizzy with no Lynot or is it Warwick with Lizzy or .... aw who cares its a great album and I like it.
7/10
Twitter @29xthefun
