SKID ROW – United World Rebellion Chapter One (2013)

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Undoubtedly one the the most iconic Hard Rock bands from the ’80s, SKID ROW returns with their first new, original material in seven years with “United World Rebellion”, the first of three plus three EPs that will be made available over the next 12-18 months.

After Sebastian Bach left, it was as though the band’s sound went with him. Skid Row went on to create two more records with replacement Johnny Solinger, however they both lacked that powerful sound and vibe that was proudly showcased on the band’s earlier recordings, and instead showed the band taking on a more significant punkish metal musical style.
Fans had already had major doubts about how well Skid Row would continue without their original vocalist, but combine a new singer who just doesn’t have as broad a range and a new musical style, and most people boycotted the new lineup of the once highly hailed group.

Well, crack a smile; songwriters Dave “Snake” Sabo and Rachel Bolan understood what fans wanted.
Prepare to crank it up, because “United World Rebellion: Chapter One” is almost just as good as their older material. All these five tracks shows Skid Row returning to their classic style of sound with good results.
The album is kicked off with the instant rocker “Kings Of Demolition” which is filled with crunching guitar licks and a solid, passionate vocal performance.
It seems that all those nights of performing the classic Bach-era material has strengthened lead vocalist Johnny Solinger’s singing, as he is now easily able to maintain his upper register and help provide an unmistakable classic Skid Row vibe.
This helps drive this new EP well above the band’s previous two albums, and lead to an enjoyable listening experience with very few weak points.

The rapid “Let’s Go” has a strong eighties smell, followed by the dynamic acoustic ballad “This Is Killing Me”, much in the vein of the band’s debut. The tune has the potential for big things on rock radio, and could become a fan favorite easily.
“Get Up” starts as a semi-midtempo with a dark approach, but then the gang-like vocals in the chorus takes you back to Slave to the Grind era.
Final song “Stitches” is a kicking rocker driven by a monster bass line, marching beats and a razor riff. No chorus, just wasted vocals over the syncopated rhythm.

Overall, “United World Rebellion : Chapter One” is a fine return-to-form that shows Skid Row finally moving back in the right musical direction.
The songs and production are crafted like what you would expect from a Skid Row album: melodic hard rock with a splash of aggression.
I would preferred a full length album, but “Chapter One” is a powerful comeback for Skid Row, embracing their roots and delivering five strong new songs.

1. Kings Of Demolition
2. Let’s Go
3. This Is Killing Me
4. Get Up
5. Stitches

Johnny Solinger – vocals
Dave “Snake” Sabo – guitar
Scotti Hill – guitar
Rachel Bolan – bass
Rob Hammersmith – drums

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www.tower.com/united-world-rebellion-chapter-one-skid-row-cd/wapi/123726581