It’s always a risky proposition when a known band tries to go on when an original member leaves or dies. Few have succeeded: AC/DC, Black Sabbath with Dio, the current incarnation of Alice In Chains. It’s a very short list. I had no issue whatsoever when the Scott Gorham/Ricky Warwick led reincarnation of Thin Lizzy stormed the many shores the last few years, touring relentlessly. The band played all the obligatory tunes, provided several deep cuts, and performed an impassioned tribute to late front man Phil Lynott, every night.
So when it was decided the band was not going to try to make a new album under the moniker Thin Lizzy, it could have gone one of two ways. It could have been uninspired and weak from the prospect of starting as a new band, or it could have given them a shot in the arm. From the sound of All Hell Breaks Loose (Nuclear Blast), the latter has come to pass. Making a fine album from top to bottom, AHBL is full of great performances, and strong song craft. Black Star Riders did not rest on their laurels. What you get is a an original sounding album of anthemic, classic sounding hard rock songs with some of the DNA of Thin Lizzy added in for good measure: terrific solos, harmonized leads, and occasional Celtic lilting vibe.
Songs like the title track, the single ‘Bound For Glory’, and ‘Valley of The Stones are unbridled rock songs that will be real show stoppers live. Other tracks like “Kingdom of The Lost’, ‘Blood Shot’ and the epic ‘Before The War’ have that unmistakable soul and feel that Lizzy was always known for. Front man Ricky Warwick (The Almighty) proves himself more than worthy with his passionate delivery and thoughtful lyrics. Considering the enormous pressure he has been under to deliver, he did an outstanding job. Naturally, it’s great to hear Gorham, owner one of rock music’s true original sounds, shine again. He is joined by Damon Johnson (Alice Cooper, Brother Cane) who was an unsung hero of the album writing process. He is also a talented lead player in his own right. The glue that holds this music together is the rhythm section of Marco Mendoza (too many bands to mention) on bass and Jimmy DeGrasso on drums. Mendoza’s understated, solid grooves allow the guitarists to go anywhere they please, without sacrificing the songs. Meanwhile, while DeGrasso’s powerful signature sound, know from his stints in Megadeth, Alice Cooper, and Suicidal Tendencies; fits the music perfectly. This is an album with very few flaws and is really enjoyable on repeated listens too.
8.5/10
Keith Chachkes