REVIEW: WARRANT – Rockaholic (2011)

 

WARRANT – Rockaholic (2011)

Frontiers Records

2011 has been a particularly strong year for hard rock so far, with excellent releases from WHITESNAKE, KING KOBRA and BLACK ‘N’ BLUE, to name just a few. Fortunately, WARRANT have also managed to deliver an album that stands proudly alongside these releases. Rockaholic is a welcome return to form, combining the band's familiar hard rock sound with a fresh injection of energy. I believe that the addition of Robert Mason (vocals, LYNCH MOB) has given WARRANT exactly the push they needed to produce such a strong record. His performance is simply breathtaking, bringing power, confidence and character to the songs, while the rest of the band proves equally capable of delivering the goods.

I knew WARRANT were back on track as soon as I read the title of the opening track, “Sex Ain’t Love”. This is the kind of straightforward, no-nonsense hard rock that fans have been waiting for. Rather than go through the album track by track, I will simply say that Rockaholic maintains its momentum from start to finish, offering plenty of memorable melodies, energetic performances and the kind of hard-rocking attitude that made the band stand out in the first place. The songwriting is focused, the performances are convincing, and the overall result feels remarkably consistent. There is no need for unnecessary experimentation when the band knows exactly how to deliver a solid collection of hard rock songs.

In my opinion, Rockaholic is WARRANT's best album since 1992's Dog Eat Dog. The material has the necessary punch, but it also retains the melodic sensibility that has always been an important part of the band's identity. Just listen to “Show Must Go On”. Will you find a better hard-rocking tune in 2011? I seriously doubt it! It is precisely this combination of infectious hooks, driving guitars and an irresistible chorus that makes the album such an enjoyable listen.

Rockaholic is an excellent comeback from a band that still has plenty to offer. With Robert Mason delivering an outstanding vocal performance and the songwriting maintaining a consistently high standard, WARRANT have produced one of the year's most satisfying hard rock releases. Fans of classic American hard rock should not hesitate to pick this one up as soon as possible.

Kostas  Rigas