THE RODS – Brotherhood Of Metal (2019)
Pioneers of the US metal scene formed in 1980, THE RODS will release a new album, “Brotherhood Of Metal” next June 7. The group surrounding vocalist / guitarist David “Rock” Feinstein – cousin of the unforgotten Ronnie James Dio and former member of their joint band, ELF – The Rods recorded five successful albums, however decided to go separate ways in 1986.
After more than two decades, the group returned in 2011 with a solid comeback album, and judging the quality of “Brotherhood Of Metal”, they are stronger than ever.
“Brotherhood Of Metal” stay true to The Rods roots, that meaning old-school, old-fashioned ’80s classic metal imaginary with groove and melody.
While this band is true ‘metal’ – no doubt about it – I always found their sound like mix between Raven and Seventies KISS.
Title track and opener ‘Brotherhood of Metal’ is some kind of that, starting slow with some keyboards into the mix and then raising to an anthem ready for the arenas.
‘Everybody’s Rockin’ makes justice to its title, some kind of Saxon meets Krokus, with a simple riff but heck, there’s where reside this band’s magic.
Shades of DIO appear in ‘Smoke on the Horizon’, including keyboards and that ‘mysterious’ atmosphere, ‘Louder than Loud’ is heavy metal in its pure essence, and if you’re looking for a speedy rocker – think Accept – ‘Tyrant King’ delivers.
‘Party All Night’ does what promises, however musically is different from the rest. There’s a bluesy feeilng and a hard rock groove accentuated. Titled ‘1982’ bring back the sound of that year, and the lyrics speak about the history of the band. Very nice one.
On ‘Hell on Earth’ some DIO smell appear again, this time when he was part of Black Sabbath. Feinstein does cool vocal verses, and the chorus is easy and instant.
Closer ‘Evil in Me’ is one of my favorites, a metal song with a certain British flavor, some Judas Priest on it via double tracked riffs and hot solos.
The Rods are metal, classic metal, cliched, but fun, entertaining and honest.
These lads are ‘heavy metal warriors’, don’t expect innovation / experimentation here – they don’t are here for that – instead a cool slice of old-fashioned traditional heavy rock.
Highly Recommended
01. Brotherhood Of Metal
02. Everybody’s Rockin’
03. Smoke On The Horizon
04. Louder Than Loud
05. Tyrant King
06. Party All Night
07. Tonight We Ride
08. 1982
09. Hell On Earth
10. The Devil Made Me Do It
11. Evil In Me
David “Rock” Feinstein – Guitars, Vocals (ex-Elf)
Garry Bordonaro – Bass, Vocals (ex-Jack Starr, ex-Rhett Forrester)
Carl Canedy – Drums, Vocals (ex-Jack Starr)
Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Brotherhood-Metal-Rods/dp/B07BQPXRYL
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