STONE WHISKEY – Scream For Rock (2024) *HQ*
Only released on physical format by Kivel Records, “Scream For Rock” is the electrifying second album from American rockers STONE WHISKEY. Its title pretty much speaks for itself: this is raw, unapologetic classic hard rock with a shot of adrenaline.
Produced by the legendary Anthony Focx (known for his work with Aerosmith, Buckcherry, Ace Frehley), this album hits hard, gritty from the first riff to the last chorus. Stone Whiskey channels the spirit of hard rock giants like AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses, blending it with the swagger of Airbourne, the bluesy soul of The Black Crowes, plus a southern bite.
The title track sets the tone with its fiery mix of powerhouse rhythms and gritty vocals, energy aplenty. Frontman Alan Rueda delivers every line with a raw intensity that’s both commanding and passionate.
Whether you’re blasting this album in your car or cranking it up at home, ”Scream For Rock” is designed to make you move. So, if you’re a fan of hard-hitting rock with a classic edge, groove, and relentless riffs, crank this baby to 11.
The record kicks off with “She’s A Live Wire”. The guitar hooks are huge and Rueda screams this one out really high and I must say, I was ready for more. “Sweet Elixir” is next and features a little different melody. A little bit of a twang to the guitar with vocals that kind of remind me of Chris Jericho of Fozzy, this is great follow up track to the kick ass opener.
Title track “Scream For Rock” is all about grooving guitars – with its screaming vocals that sound a little like Jesse James Dupree from Jackyl circa Push Comes To Shove era, this track is American hard rock perfection. “Nowhere To Go” is lighter, midpaced, with some inspiration from The Black Crowes, I would argue. Very catchy, radio ready track.
“Same Old Story” is back to a harder edged sound with a swinging guitar hook delivered by Bill Spears and Chris Clark. The guitar does remind me of a classic Van Halen song with David Lee Roth on vocals…. The guitar work has a lot of influence by the Van Halen classic “Beautiful Girls”.
“Runnin’ Loose” is up next and it has a little bit of a Guns N’ Roses swirl to it. It’s got a very L.A. late 1980’s vibe. Can’t beat that! “No Nice Girls” is a very cool, with heavy riffs akin Black Label Society at times. I dig that. “Tearin’ Me Apart” is another softer song with Southern charm ins the melody, well arranged and interesting.
“Whiskey River” has a very dirty sleazy bluesy hard rock punch with a little bot of an ominous overtone. “Inferno” is the final track on the album and it ends the record right where we started, with a heavy, hooky grooving tune.
Stone Whiskey has a pretty unique sound that has a little bit of a familiar sound… Picture the bastard child of Jackyl, Black Label Society, The Black Crowes, and Van Halen. If that sounds interesting to you, the record is worth your hard earned money.
These guys do produce good rock n’ roll music that feels authentic and sounds crisp. “Scream For Rock” is a good hard rocking, sleazy record with a little bit of Southern Fried charm.
Highly Recommended
01 – She’s a Live Wire
02 – Sweet Elixir
03 – Scream for Rock
04 – Nowhere to Go
05 – Same Ol’ Story
06 – Runnin’ Loose
07 – No Nice Girls
08 – Tearin’ Me Apart
09 – Whiskey River
10 – Inferno
Alan Rueda – Lead Vocals
Bill Spears – Guitar
Chris Clark – Guitar
Jim Hunter – Bass
Mike Ropelewski – Drums
BUY
www.amazon.com/Scream-Rock-Stone-Whiskey/dp/B0DFRHN2MJ
