Feeling tired lately? Perhaps the winter weather has got you down? Never fear. I have the cure for what ails you, the newest release from Adrenaline Mob, “Dearly Departed.” Original members, frontman Russell Allen and guitarist Mike Orlando, have teamed with former Tantric bassist Erik Leonhardt and Twisted Sister drummer A.J. Pero to give us a tightly polished disc of interesting cover songs, unreleased tracks, and acoustic beauties.
The album opens with an amped up version of the Pat Travers classic, “Snortin’ Whiskey.” It’s as if someone took a set of jumper cables to this one as AMob runs through it at a breakneck pace with blistering guitars and Allen’s bold vocals. Next up is a radio edit of the title track from their “Men of Honor” album and is notable for the great guitar work by Orlando, a solid metal radio version. A hyper speed cover of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by the Charlie Daniels Band follows. Interestingly enough there is no fiddle used on this song with Orlando handling the fiddle parts on his guitar. All I can say is wow, he can definitely light up the fretboard. It’s unique and simply amazing. There are several acoustic tracks from both the “Men Of Honor” and “Omerta” records included. The three are all beautifully done with the standout being the stripped down “Crystal Clear” which lets the more heartfelt side of Allen’s voice shine through. The “Sabbath Medley” is a fun tune and gives Sabbath fans a chance to play a little “name that tune.” “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” is the previously unreleased track and is a solid Adrenaline Mob tune that would have fit nicely on any of their albums. Saving the best for last is the closing track, an outrageously epic cover of “Tie Your Mother Down” by Queen with soaring vocals and brilliant musicianship from the entire band, a majestic ending to a terrific record.
“Dearly Departed” is a must listen for all metal fans. Check this one out today. It’s just what the doctor ordered.
