I’m sure everyone is familiar with the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Never has this old adage been more true than in the case of the hard rock band Fozzy. For years Fozzy has not gotten the respect and recognition the band deserves as people have focused on the pro wrestling career of frontman Chris Jericho and ignored the amazing talent this band has to offer. With the success of 2012’s “Sin and Bones,” the band showed they are a force to be reckoned with and metal fans began to take the band seriously. Their recent release of their 6th studio album, “Do You Wanna Start A War,” will only further their cause as it is a true showcase for everything Fozzy has to offer.
It’s clear that the band members wanted to incorporate many different musical influences into this record resulting in a real variety of songs. The lead single “Lights Go Out” is a catchy tune with its electronica beats and contagious chorus yet it also has a heavy side kind of like an Ozzy club mix. Jericho’s vocals are tender and emotional on the ballad “Died With You” and “Tonite” is an upbeat radio friendly track featuring Michael Starr of Steel Panther. My favorite tracks were definitely those with a heavier touch courtesy of guitarist and creative force Rich Ward. “Brides of Fire” features the signature growls of Ward with the double bass drum of Frank Fontsere and the sick guitars of both Ward and Billy Grey. “Scarecrow” starts off with a real sludge metal kind of feel and “One Crazed Anarchist” is not to be missed. Also included is a very well done cover of ABBA’s “SOS.”
“Do You Wanna Start A War” should cast aside any doubts people have about Fozzy. They are serious musicians and seriously bad-ass.
