WARRANT

The WARRANT of "I Saw Red", "Cherry Pie", and "Heaven" this is not, thankfully. Oh sure, the threads of "Rockaholic" run all the way back to the 80s hair/pop metal material, some of which was quite respectable (e.g. "Uncle Tom's Cabin"). The band released some solid material since those golden years ("Ultraphobic" if memory serves),dealt with multiple lineup changes (including an in and out Jani Lane),and continued toiling in relative obscurity. If there is any justice, then "Rockaholic" would reintroduce the aging rockers to the world. But since we all know there isn't any, then know that WARRANT gave it the old college try with this one.

Much like KING KOBRA achieved on its new self-titled album, WARRANT has located that elusive place where blazing riff-rock and big hooks meet. Falling just short of the bull's eye hit by their aforementioned label mates, WARRANT has nevertheless produced a worthy effort that deserves far more attention than it'll probably get. With an excellent choice in vocalist Robert Mason (ex-LYNCH MOB) in tow, several songs are pure rock bliss, including the hot 'n sleazy "Sex Ain't Love", "Snake", the vintage GUNS N' ROSES nastiness of "Cocaine Freight Train", and a song in "Innocence is Gone" that would be a sure bet for mainstream rock radio if the medium was ever able to pull its collective head out of its proverbial ass. Of the five ballad/poppy cuts, "Home", "What Love Can Do", and "Life's a Song" are well written, catchy, and also deserving of radio play.

Aside from a handful of tunes that while satisfactory don't kick up much dust ("Candy Man", "Show Must Go On", "Found Forever") "Rockaholic" is a musically consistent, upstanding hard rock record. Whatever your preconceived notions of WARRANT, if you are hard rock fan then it is incumbent upon you to check out "Rockaholic".