Steel Panther - Balls Out (2011)

For me, novelty music, in any shape or form, never has the legs to last, but in the case of Steel Panther this, for the moment anyway, is a beast running wild in the streets. In support of Motley Crue and Def Leppard they blew minds, and their brand of '80s inspired party metal is going from strength to strength, and for what it produces in gimmicks, thankfully doesn't outweigh its ability to rock. Steel Panther are funny guys, heavy metal comedians, they have the look and the stage act to woo the girls and rock the boys - made it's more than just Spinal Tap and their success story keeps on raging. They exist as the ideal band to open up a party or any big metal gig, and they can write songs to, but naturally with a huge nod, and the occasional borrowed riff or melody from '80s bands such as Bon Jovi, Def Leppard etc. The lyrics as always are crude, the choruses hair-metal heaven and the image 100% nostalgia, but beneath the cheeky smiles are decent musicians who are not just happy to exist as a joke band. 'Balls Out' is the bands latest offering, party metal to the hilt, boosted by hilarious power ballads, killer riffs and that wicked sleeve. All in all ya kinda know what to expect, but hey, some '80s bands made a living outta this sort of stuff and were nowhere near as good - give me Steel Panther over Warrant or Ratt any day. '...Tiger Woods', etc will rock your cocks off!

7/10