STEEL PANTHER / BALLS OUT (2011)

This band kicks ass! The front cover of this new release is simply awesome. The songs are all about fun, attitude and pure Hair N' Metal from the 80's early 90's. Do I have to say more? Hmmm, I don't think so except that  I'm, also, sure that many of you dislike this band 'cause of their kinda of sexist humour and parody that their songs contain. But, hey, if you can forget about the lyrics for just one moment and focus on their music, you are going to discover a tight as hell band which is consisted of some great musicians!

As I said, the members of Steel Panther are all great and they are accomplished musicians with a substantial background. The quartet began to gain popularity in the Sunset Strip at the beginning of the new millennium under the name Metal Shop. The guys did weekly shows on Monday nights at the Viper Room, playing covers of '80s hair metal big hits while parodying the bands that made the songs famous. Despite presenting themselves under different stage names, two members of the band were already in major important acts. Frontman Michael Starr, aka Ralph Saenz, has been in sunset strips legends L.A. Guns publishing the 6 tracks EP 'Wasted'. Guitarist Satchel was part of the band War & Peace, which was originaly founded by ex Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson, and the band Fight, founded by heavy metal kings Judas Priest leader Rob Halford. He has, also, played in the band Electric Fence with Racer X members Paul Gilbert and Jeff Martin.

So, after this sort bio of Steel Panther, lets see what the cat dragged in to this new album. "Balls Out", musicaly, is a trip back to the 80's, early 90's, music scene of screaming guitars, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a powerfull vocalist that knows well what he is doin'. The album starts with the 'demonic' intro, ala "Shout At The Devil", of "In The Future" and continues with the furious hard rocker of "Supersonic Sex Machine". A nice track which features some screamin' guitars with a breathtakin' solo and Michael Starr's powerfull performance!! "Just Like Tiger Woods" features a nice groove, a 'crunchier' guitar sound and cool, as always, lyrics! "17 Girls In A Row" is nasty, dirty, sleaze and one of the 'best' tracks of the album. "If You Really, Really Love Me" is a classic hair metal anthemic tune with a huge chorus line and it's the first single of 'Balls Out".

"It Won't Suck Itself", "Tomorrow Night" and "That’s What Girls Are For" are all excellent examples of 80's hair metal stuff with feel-good vibe and sing-a-long choruses. "Why Can't You Trust Me' is a kinda of mid-tempo rocker with a huge melody and a memorable chorus. Great tune!! "Gold-Digging Whore" is the perfect track to start a party...if you know what I'm talkin' about!! The rest three of the songs here are in the same level as the previous and that means catchy hooks and choruses, melodies, and great guitar work! Finaly, the album closes with the tune of "Weenie Ride" which is a really brilliant ballad.

Overall, this is a great cd! Joke-band or not, one thing is sure; their music kick some serious asses and the songwriting ability is superior when it comes to memorable and catchy songs! The production is big and polished and the album in it's final result is very very enjoyable! After all it's all about fun, sex and Rock N' Roll.........taste it!

Track List : 01. In The Future 01:27 / 02. Supersonic Sex Machine 03:09 / 03. Just Like Tiger Woods 03:40 / 04. 17 Girls In A Row 03:41 / 05. If You Really, Really Love Me 02:25 / 06. It Won’t Suck Itself 02:53 / 07. Tomorrow Night 02:57 / 08. Why Can’t You Trust Me 04:00 / 09. That’s What Girls Are For 03:38 / 10. Gold-Digging Whore 03:54 / 11. I Like Drugs 04:18 / 12. Critter 03:38 / 13. Let Me Cum In 03:29 / 14. Weenie Ride 04:19

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