BulletBoys are probably best known for their 1987 hit “Smooth Up In Ya” but the band is so much more than that one song. They are usually grouped into the hair metal or glam metal category of that era but they really have always been more of a blues based hard rock band. Founding member, lead vocalist, and guitarist Marq Torien is one of the most underrated singers out there and his songwriting skills are second to none.
Looking to build on the success of 2015’s “Elefante,” BulletBoys are back with a new studio album “From Out of the Skies,” released via Frontiers Records. The new record is full of crunching riffs and melodic choruses with a few surprises thrown in as well. “Apocalypto” is the opening track and a hardhitting rocker that starts things off with a bang. The first single “D-Evil” is up next with a super funky groove and a solid hook with a guest vocal from Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal. It’s the kind of song that stays in your head and has you air jamming along with guitarist Nick Rozz. The title track was recorded at the Foo Fighters’ Studio 606 with Torien gaining inspiration from using one of Dave Grohl’s acoustic guitars and a drumset handpicked by Taylor Hawkins. Don’t miss the absolute cacophony of drums and cymbals that provide a fiery intro to “What Cha Don’t” and the unusual electronic slightly industrial vibe of “P.R.A.B.” Torien’s vocals are stellar throughout the album but really shine on the last two tracks. “Switchblade Butterfly” is a pretty acoustic tune with a nice, light feel and “Once Upon a Time” is a powerful ballad that has Torien building and building in intensity.
The eighties may be long gone but thanks to Marq Torien and “From Out of the Skies,” the BulletBoys are still going strong.
