Halestorm - Halestorm
Although it is only May, this release is hands down the best album of 2009 (and most likely the last 3 years that I have heard). Halestorm's self-titled release fulfills the promise of the long journey of the 4-piece band from Red Lion, PA. Halestorm has successfully bridged the gap between a classic hard rock / melodic heavy metal release with a modern rock approach.
Of the 11 tracks on the CD version of the Halestorm release, each song is dynamic, well- crafted and most importantly infectious to the listener's ear. "It's Not You" leads the charge with Arjay Hale's cowbell intro straight into sister Lizzy Hale's stunning vocals. Having heard various incarnations of the song over the years, the band is wise to have seen to it that it appeared on their major label studio debut. The live version on the live "One and Done" release from several years is equally as potent. "I Get Off" is the modern rock radio single that finds Lizzy weaving a most risqué tale with a confidence that oozes from the speakers.
The soulful, emotive tones further continue on the tracks "Bet U Wish U Had Me Back" (a killer power ballad), "I'm Not Angel", "Better Sorry Than Safe" and "Love/Hate Heartbreak", which structurally is an extremely intricate composition.
"Familiar Taste of Poison" is another inspiring ballad with vocals which call to mind Liz Vandall of Sahara and the Uli Jon Roth band. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the frantic "What Were You Expecting?" with its gang call and response chorus.
Closing tracks "Dirty Work" and "Nothing To Do With Love" finish off the release with plenty of attitude and snarl all the while maintaining a keen sense of melodic songwriting.
Halestorm will be touring all throughout the summer appearing on various festival shows throughout the USA. The other bands on these various need to be wary of Halestorm blowing them off stage with the fine musicianship possessed by the band and the amazing vocals of Lizzy Hale. With this selection of songs, Halestorm are not a band you want to follow on stage!
Track Listing:
1. It s Not You
2. I Get Off
3. Bet U Wish U Had Me Back
4. Innocence
5. Familiar Taste of Poison
6. I m Not An Angel
7. What Were You Expecting?
8. Love/Hate Heartbreak
9. Better Sorry Than Safe
10. Dirty Work
11. Nothing To Do With Love
Homepage:
http://www.halestormrocks.com
