HOTEL DIABLO / The Return To Psycho, California (2012)

The band originally was formed in early 2011, when vocalist Rick Stitch and guitarist Alex Grossi had just come off a grueling world tour with original Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler in support of his tell-all biography. Upon returning home, Alex and Rick both departed the Adler camp in search of a fresh project and when they played a one-off gig in Hollywood with powerhouse rhythm section Mike Duda and Mike Dupke, everyone in the room had the same, excited feeling. 



The band quickly started writing as well as playing select shows in Hollywood and soon had enough material for an entire album. Hotel Diablo's full length debut 'The Return To Psycho, California' was produced by Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses, Rockstar Supernova) with additional production by underground LA producer Matt Starr. 'The Return To Psycho, California' is "a collection of stories, true stories, experienced during a time when our lives were filled with mind-altering shots of wretched adrenaline" says vocalist Rick Stitch.

"Taken" is the track that opens the album. It's an aggressive and in-your-face rocker with powerfull vocals, a catchy hook and some very good guitar work. A really impressive start!! "All These Years" is a bit 'modern' tune while "What You Do To Me" is a damn fine piece of classic hard rock stuff with a great harmony, chorus and very good arrangements! "Psycho California" is more up-tempo with some punkier rock pinches and "Bury You" is an ok track but nothin' really breathtaking. "Set It Off" returns to some 80's, early 90's, U.S. heavy rock flavoured stuff and it's one of the album's highlights. It has attitude, loud guitars, strong performances and everything that a rocker can ask for!! Well done!! "Wicked Lines" is a brilliant rocker with a catchy-as-hell chorus line and a sticky melody that's going to make you push the repeat button again and again!! "Wonderwall" is a cover tune of OASIS big success back then and I have to admit that I like the original more. "Trigger" is an ok song and the album closes with two alternate versions of "What You Do To Me" and "Bury Me" wich are both well-played and especially "Bury Me" is far better!!!! 

Overall this is a very interesting release all the way. It contains some brilliant hard rock tracks that are all played with passion, heart, soul and at the end leaves you with a smile upon your face. For the fans of 80's, early 90's heavy rock stuff with loud guitars, catchy songs, powerfull performances and a 'fresh' air this album is for you!!!
Heavy Paradise's Rating : 8/10

Track List : Taken, All These Years, What You Do To Me, Psycho California, Bury You, Set It Off, Wicked Lines, Wonderwall, Trigger, What You Do To Me (alternate version), Bury Me (alternate version)      

* Release Date 25 September 2012