Just like Skid Row, with their Subhuman Race (which I reviewed recently), Warrant were in the exact same position. They had huge success with their previous two albums, especially Cheery Pie which was massive and they came up against the wall that was grunge. They also took on the same approach by toughening up their sound, and again I also love this more than their other releases. I know it didn’t sell as well, but man this is a kick ass record.
Opening up with Machine Gun they lay it down on the table with a heavier groove and vibe, but still tons of melody to grab onto. Hole In The Wall is even better, a deep heavy riff and groove, a superb hook and chorus, plus a short sharp voice box solo. April 2031 has to be the heaviest riff the band came up with. The whole song is mirroring the sounds that are around them but keeping that melodic element intact. It’s ballad time next with Andy Warhol Was Right, at least up until the middle section which rocks on up and is really cool. Bonfire has a killer funk tinged vibe and groove, and is my favourite track on the album. The last track on this side is The Bitter Pill, and when you consider how Jani Lane ended up its quite poignant lyrically.
Side 2 kicks in with Hollywood, another track with that hint of funk to the vibe of the tune. A really cool tune! All My Bridges Are Burning is a close second in the fave track stakes, as I really love the riff and harmony vocals, and the guitar sound is killer. Quicksand follows and if there was any justice this should have been a single. Great tune and the vocals are really awesome. Big power ballad number two with Let It Rain, and you know how this one goes. Inside Out is without doubt the most out and out metal song they ever did. Double kicks and harmony guitars all the way. Yes please! The album closes out with Sad Theresa and is just a beautiful song. Starts real slow and acoustic, then the power kicks in. I really like this album and Jani wrote everything, shame he’s gone.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
