Sebastian Bach - Kickin' And Screamin' (2011)

Heavy metal god Sebastian Bach makes a welcome return with another thunderous record that once again proves that Skid Row are a thing of the past, and true metal a thing of the future. Bach has always bene a force but since his epic 'Angel Down' opus his no holds barred style of forceful metal has seem him rise as a force to be reckoned with. 'Kickin...' follows suit with more rugged and heavy bouts of '80s inspired metal and yet it's an album that looks deep into the future with its remarkable musicianship and solid arangements, particularly on that formidable title cut which boasts a chorus so catchy I'm sure I've heard it before. Bach has a masterful voice and presence, raging hard with the mightiest and yet on 'I'mAlive' showing a deeply subtle side, echoing the magic of 'Angel Down's' 'By Your Side.' It's another hefty opus that refsues to give up a mediocre track, instead battering the skull with its abrasive rhythm section and rough-edged vocal delivery, 'Tunnelvision' another example of Bach's presence. I was a big fan of Skid Row's weighty 'Slave To The Grind' but over the last few years Bach has become one of metal's most reliable and coolest frontmen but he's not here to just make up the numbers, instead he has kept up the rock god persona whilst always making sure his music does the talking. Another top notch metal masterclass. 8.5/10