It’s been six years since Warrant’s last album “Rockaholic” was released and fans were beginning to wonder if a new record was ever going to happen. After the long wait, I am happy to announce that the Down Boys are back in fine form with their ninth studio album “Louder, Harder, Faster.”
The new record is a true hard rocker with quality songwriting, crunching riffs, and catchy hooks. Things get started with the down and dirty groove of “Devil Dancer” and the anthemic rocker “Louder, Harder, Faster” complete with a great stadium shout out loud chorus. Musically the band sounds better than ever with guitarists Joey Allen and Erik Turner turning it up a notch this time out and solid, driving rhythms from bassist Jerry Dixon and drummer Steven Sweet. Even though vocalist Robert Mason has been with the band since 2008, this is only the second album to feature the singer. Mason has a real pure hard rock sound and proves he is more than up to the challenge vocally whether tackling a heavy rocker like “New Rebellion” or showing a softer side on the stripped down piano ballad “U In My Life.” Check this website to know more. Produced by Jeff Pilson, the record has an amazing sonic quality that showcases the best of what Warrant can do. The not to be missed track is the storyteller vibe of “Music Man” which starts out with an almost spoken vocal amid acoustic guitars before turning it up to a slow burn rocker. A fun bonus track is included on the CD only, a cover of Merle Haggard’s “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink” which is a bluesy party song and is quite a nice fit for the band.
For those that say Warrant’s best days are behind them, I have to wholeheartedly disagree. “Louder, Harder, Faster” is a great hard rock album with heavy rockers, grooving party anthems, and a even a poignant ballad to share with the love of your life. What more can a rock fan ask for?
