HALESTORM – The Strange Case Of…

Label: Atlantic

Release Date: April 10, 2012

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: ToddStar

Siblings Lzzy and Arejay Hale have done it their way since 1997, why would 2012 be any different?  This, their second full studio release is over the top good.  I cannot wait to see what else they throw out there for the fans in years to come.

“Love Bites (So Do I)” is the kick off track and single.  One listen through, and you knwo why.  This thing rocks hard as hell.  Come to find out, the people in charge of the Grammys thought so too, as it has been nominated in the “Best Hard Rock / Metal Performance Category.  Keeping the rock tilt to maximum, the next track “Mz. Hyde” comes along and rocks out, while giving the listener a very catchy chorus and fun lyrics.  Perhaps as a fun follow up to “It’s Not You” from their debut release, the band offers up “I Miss The Misery.”  This is a great track while working out.  The groove really allows for a steady run, while keeping energy levels up.  I have to wonder how many neighbors have heard me sing this one at 6:30 as I run through my neighborhood.  Not slowing down, Lzzy growls and sings her ass of on “Freak Like Me.”  This is another anthemic track that will carry well live.

“Beautiful With You” is one of the coolest rock ballads in a  long time.  This mirrors what so many of us have thought or dealt with in a relationship at least once.  “In Your Room” keeps the mood mellow and introspective, but this is not a bad thing.  This is another great track and I can imagine a venue full of lighters in the air swaying from side to side.  The mellow ballady trilogy is complete with “Break In.”  The tempo speeds up slightly with “Rock Show” and runs full steam ahead with “Daughters Of Darkness” and a personal favorite, “You Call Me A Bitch Like It’s A Bad Thing.”  This song has a catchy groove and chorus that is sure to please every one of their fans.  “American Boys” and “Here’s To Us” seem to be written for the live show.  They are very fun and sing-a-long like, especially the latter of the two.  One of the bonus tracks, “Private Parts” is win-win in my book, as it is a great track that features James Michael from Sixx AM.  The duet is very sexy and should have been included on all versions of the disc, so all of the Halestorm fans could see exactly how diverse Lzzy can be.

http://www.halestormrocks.com/

Category: CD Reviews