BUCKCHERRY-Hellbound

Earache Records

Buckcherry arrived at the music scene in 1995. They kept the torch of hard rock sleaze burning in the post grunge and nu-metal times. After a 3-year hiatus between 2002 and 2005 they’ve released albums on a regular base. Vocalist Josh Todd is the only remaining member from the original line-up, although rhythm guitar player Stevie D. is in the band since 2005 and therefore may be considered as another core member. This band is the hard working kind and has already released eight records between 1999 and 2019 and the 9th one, being `Hellbound’ will see the light of day end of June 2021.

`Hellbound’ was recorded end of 2020 and Buckcherry worked with producer Marti Frederiksen [who has previously collaborated with Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Jonny Lang and Sheryl Crow]. Something you can definitely hear in the songs, as there is an Aerosmith vibe going on throughout the album.
Todd has a high-energy rock ‘n roll style of singing that suits him and the songs very well. Actually his vocal style kind of reminds me of Warrior Soul front man Kory Clarke. When you are new to this band it is best described as a no nonsense rock ‘n roll band and if you dig groups like Little Caesar, Warrior Soul with a classic rock sauce of Aerosmith, you absolutely have to give this album a chance. Song wise it’s not very innovative and ground-breaking, but it is as solid as a concrete wall. And that is certainly a positive fact, because let’s face it; nobody has to reinvent the wheel of this genre.
The entire album is pleasing to the ears, partly thanks to the good production and it is easy to give it various spins. Highlights to me are the opening track ,,54321”, that has a sleazy punk vibe to it, the single ,,So Hott” that has a very groovy guitar line in it and ,, Junk”. Hopefully for Buckcherry classic rock legend Alice Cooper does not give too much of a listen to the main guitar/bass parts of ,,Wasting No More Time”, because there is definitely a ,,I’m Eighteen” vibe going on there.

All in all a very enjoyable, well-produced, new album of a hard working band. It is not an album that will make the world shake to its foundations, but it is just a nice rock album. And there is nothing wrong with that.