High Roller Records, slipcase, poster, 4 bonus tracks, Original transfer by Marcus Mossmann (R.I.P.) at PHONOGRAPHIC ARTIFACTS. Audio restoration and mastering by Patrick W. Engel at TEMPLE OF DISHARMONY in November 2020.
The Rods' final pre-hiatus release is a hidden gem of classic heavy metal, brimming with energy and heartfelt musicianship. Packed with unforgettable melodies and hard-hitting grooves, it captures the band at their creative peak. Fronting this album is Shmoulik Avigal, whose commanding and expressive vocals bring an added dimension to the band’s sound, blending power and nuance effortlessly.
The album begins with a dramatic and atmospheric intro, leading seamlessly into "Make Me a Believer," a dynamic opener filled with driving riffs and soaring vocal lines. Tracks like "Angels Never Run" stand out with their catchy hooks and rousing choruses, while slower, more brooding cuts like "Crossfire" and "Fool For Your Love" showcase the depth of Avigal’s performance and the band's knack for crafting mood-rich anthems.
Playful touches, such as the laughter captured after "Chains of Love" and the quirky movie sample preceding "She's Trouble," add personality to the record, showing a band that isn't afraid to have fun while delivering serious metal. The album concludes with "The Music Man," a brief but memorable harmonica piece that feels like a spontaneous nod to the band's versatility.
David 'Rock' Feinstein delivers riff after riff of pure traditional metal brilliance, particularly shining on tracks like "Chains of Love." Meanwhile, Carl Canedy’s drumming is a masterclass in precision and power, underscoring the album's hard rock backbone. His performance solidifies the band's identity as both technically proficient and thoroughly engaging.
While the inclusion of a Led Zeppelin cover, "Communication Breakdown," feels slightly out of step with the originality of the rest of the album, it still holds its own in terms of execution. However, longtime fans might wish for something as unexpected and emotive as their earlier Supremes cover, "You Keep Me Hanging On."
In all, this album is a triumphant showcase of The Rods' raw talent and unmistakable style, blending heavy metal and hard rock with an edge that sets them apart. It’s an essential listen for fans of the genre and a testament to the band's enduring influence in the world of heavy music.
