The east coast rockers known as Adrenaline Mob are back in action with a brand new record titled Men of Honor. The idea behind the title for the record came from the father of lead guitarist Mike Orlando, representing a mutual respect for rock-n-roll and their dedicated fans. With the departure of Mike Portnoy sometime in 2013 the band added seasoned drummer A.J. Pero to the mix making them stronger than ever with Russell Allen (vocalist), John Moyer (bassist), and Orlando (guitarist). Now running on all cylinders, the band is ready to bring their fans this exciting new album of extreme hard rock sound.
The opening song “Mob Is Back” brings some insane guitar shredding by Orlando and a serious attitude with Allen’s voice, setting up what fans can expect from the rest of the album. Pero will play a big role on this record, and it is amplified right here on the opening track to this album. Next up is “Come On Get Up”, and right off the bat this fast-paced and up-tempo song hits you with a killer melody. This is the type of powerful and amplified melody Adrenaline Mob brings to the dance and will surely become a favorite at live shows. On “Dearly Departed” we find a song with a more commercial accessible sound allowing each member to shine bright. Its heavy tone allows Allen’s vocals to burst at a new height while complemented by some excellent backing vocals.
Slowing down the pace slightly, “Behind These Eyes” immediately takes the listener back to a simpler time in life with the use of some beautiful acoustic guitars. Hitting you at the right moment, the song is placed according in the mix of the rest of the album. Picking the pace back up is the heavy hitting emotions of “Let It Go” with amplified anger and aggression in Allen’s delivery. The song has strong-sounding similarity to “Undaunted” off the band’s first album, with the similar guitar riff and vocal style of the track set-up. While this may be true, the song also has different tones; making it a must listen.
Bringing in an addictive groove is “Feel the Adrenaline” with a wall of bass and impressive solo by Moyer. Keeping up a consistent vocal outing, Allen incorporate a signature snarling in the chorus as well. Next is the dynamic title track “Men of Honor”. A slow beginning kicks off into high gear in just a matter of moments while featuring a powerful and very melodic chorus that hooks you. “Crystal Clear” mixes things up again with a mellow acoustic song and strong melody. The song is further proof that Allen’s voice has a broad range that can be fierce and aggressive at times then gentle and smooth during others.
The band kick things into overdrive with “House of Lies” in an epic fashion with Russel projecting his chords to even higher and heavier levels than anywhere else on the record. Compounding the intense experience, Orlando’s shredding is center stage with an amazing solo. On the next song Adrenaline Mob decide to push the envelope with “Judgment Day”. Heavier than what fans have come to expect, it grabs you by the throat and demands you to listen. Allen’s tone is excessively aggressive with a lot of eye catching moments. Closing out the album is “Fallin’ to Pieces” which marries both sides of Adrenaline Mob with heavy and acoustic guitars. Indeed a very strong ending to the album with some serious tones guitar enthusiasts will love.
Men of Honor could challenge for one of the best hard rock records of 2o14. Appreciators of the genre will enjoy the very aggressive, tight, fast-paced and melodic attributes of the album. The album proves Adrenaline Mob can offer a unique variety with some insanely loud guitars, bombastic drumming, solid bass work, and diverse rock vocals. For new and old fans, one thing is certain about about Men of Honor, and that is The Mob is back! CrypticRock gives this album 4.5 out of 5 star rating.
- Century Media
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