BLACK STAR RIDERS — The Killer Instinct (review)

BLACK STAR RIDERS — The Killer Instinct album cover Album · 2015 · Hard Rock Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"The Killer Instinct" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US hard rock act Black Star Riders. The album was released through Nuclear Blast Records in February 2015. There´s been one lineup change since the release of the band´s debut full-length studio album "All Hell Breaks Loose (2013)", as bassist Marco Mendoza has been replaced by Robbie Crane.

Stylistically there have been very few changes, as the material on "The Killer Instinct" pretty much continues down the melodic hard rock path of "All Hell Breaks Loose (2013)". It´s no surprise that the music often sounds a lot like Thin Lizzy as the lineup features quite a few members of the last touring lineup of that band which of course includes iconic Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham. Black Star Riders was founded to stand on it´s own two feet though, and they certainly do just that. The musicianship is on a high level on all posts and the album is graced with powerful organic playing throughout. Ricky Warwick is not the most distinct sounding vocalist on the scene, but his voice and passionate delivery perfectly suits the instrumental part of the music.

The material on the 10 track, 46:11 minutes long album are well written, catchy, and memorable. The album opens with the title track, and from there we are treated to one killer hard rock track after another. In addition to the strong title track, other highlights include "Bullet Blues", "Soldierstown", and the closing "You Little Liar". If the closing guitar solo on the latter doesn´t make you want to play air guitar, I´m not sure if anything ever will.

"The Killer Instinct" features a very well sounding production. It´s powerful, organic, and very detailed. Everything is perfectly audible in the mix. So upon conclusion "The Killer Instinct" is a high quality release by Black Star Riders. High level musicianship, effectful and memorable songwriting, and a powerful production are some of the great assets of the album. Another great asset is the way the band are able to combine a "feel good" rock´n´roll atmosphere with a touch of sweet longing melancholy. A 4 star (80%) rating is fully deserved.
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