Tag: skid row (Page 1 of 2)

I have not really given Skid Row any attention after the Subhuman Race album, because it all seemed too much drama and just playing the hits. But, when Eric Gronwall was announced as their new singer I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the album he did with H.E.A.T and I thought he may be what Skid Row was looking for.

Well, first thing I noticed was that Eric had zero input in songwriting on this album. There are a couple of outside writing collaborators and even two songs with their previous vocalist ZP Theart as a co-writer. And before I get into the music, I have to say that this is a very noisy pressing. This is the third copy I’ve owned and basically I just gave up and accepted it.

Anyway, musically the album has got that raw edge which I really liked on Subhuman Race, it was killer. Now, it’s not as heavy as that but it’s still a damn fine album. Songs like The Gangs All Here, Not Dead Yet, Nowhere Fast, Resurrected, and World On Fire are all ripping tunes and if that’s the way forward I’m happy. My favourite track is Not Dead Yet. It’s a full on kick ass rocker with a message that could be from the band or even from Eric with his cancer battle.

Yeah, welcome back Skid Row.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

I think this originally was a Japanese only release, but this version is from the box set released last year. By the time Subhuman Race was released, they could no longer be considered a hair band. This is a full on raw metal show, warts and all, just as it should be.

There are only six tracks to wet your whistle with here and two of them are covers. A rip roaring version of Judas Priest’s Delivering The Goods, and an insane version of The Ramones Psycho Therapy. However, my favourite track is Monkey Business, it’s a killer tune anyway but hearing this blowout version really puts a smile on my face. Don’t forget, they toured with Pantera around this time and they held their own every night.

I’m not sure you can buy this without buying the box set, but it’s a fun addition to anyone’s collection.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

For a band that were at the top of the hard rockin’ tree, they haven’t released that many albums. There are six in total if you’re counting, of which this was album number two. Now, I understand how Mr. Bach can be a somewhat controversial character and he seemingly knows how to push all the buttons of band members in Skid Row, but they are a killer band with him at the front. Taking nothing away from Eric Gronwall as he his a superb talent, but somethings are just meant to be.

This is a close second for me in the favourite album stakes, as I really love Subhuman Race and that harder edge. Although, the opening 1-2 punch of Monkey Business and Slave To The Grind is as good as it gets, both killer tracks that just shake your tree with max riffage and groove. Slave is definitely my favourite track. The Threat keeps the heavy riffing going and Bach’s vocals are superb. It’s heavy ballad time next with Quicksand Jesus, and Seb’s vocals are off the chart, plus that solo is monster. A heavy riff and groove to Psycho Love and the heaviness between this and the first album is here for all to see. Side 1 closes out with Get The F… Out. A punked up, rocked out, sleaze fest.

Side 2 rips in with Livin’ On A Chain Gang. A cool, choppy riff with a nice swing to the groove and a cool gang style hook and chorus. Creepshow follows and I love the opening riff and groove with that hint of funk. The middle eight is super cool and grooves to the max. It’s ballad number two next with In A Darkened Room, and you have to be blown away with the range and power of Bach’s vocals. That punky, sleazy vibe is back for Riot Act and sometimes music should do no more than put a smile on your face. Mudkicker follows with a nice fat riff and a slow heavy groove. The album closes out with Wasted Time. Going out on a power ballad is never my favourite thing as I’m always in favour of going out with a BANG.

The album does tail off slightly as Side 1 is loaded with the monster tunes but it still gets…

9/10 from The Grooveman.

Controversial opinion incoming! I prefer this album and the heavier approach, to the hair glam version of 18 And Life. The tunes are way heavier, dirtier, and groovier. It was tough times in the nineties if you were perceived as a hair band, and Skid Row tried to be relevant  by recording this beast of a record. If any of you have seen any of the Pantera home movies you will have seen that the two bands toured together around this time, and believe me, you have to be on the money to survive with those guys.

I love every inch of this record because this is them being themselves and boy does this album smoke. My Enemy is just immense, huge heavy groove and riffage and Bach just sings his ass off. Firesign is freaking wonderful and gets me every time as I love how Seb sings the melody, and that groove is awesome. Bonehead is almost punk rock at the intro, but that riff will get you banging that head. Beat Yourself Blind follows and is just pure raw energy with the production to match. Eileen starts like a Nirvana tune to match the age it was recorded, and it is very Seattle. Remains To Be Seen has a very Alice In Chains vibe. I love the main riff, and instrumental section is really cool. Subhuman Race just wants to melt your face. Maximum pounding groove with a riff to match, and Seb just rips on the vocal.

Huge guitar intro to Frozen, with a nice twisted heavy groove. Turn this one up it’s huge!!! A super cool change in tempo and vibe with Into Another. Great vocal from Seb! It’s favourite track time with the arrival of Face Against My Soul. Amazing riff and groove that hits all the right places for me. The pounding continues with Medicine Man. Killer riffage and Seb is just raging on this one. We slow things way down with Breakin Down, which has an Americana vibe and feel with Seb showing the delicate side of his voice. Iron Will closes out the album and I think we are going to blow the doors off. Monster riffage and killer vocals! I wish they could make up their differences as this line up smokes! Eric Gronwal is an awesome singer, but Seb was made for these tunes.

10/10 from The Grooveman