From Southern California, Buckcherry has been called everything from Hard Rock and Sleaze Rock to Alternative Rock. Truthfully, it is absurd to try to find a label for the band, because their sound has remained consistent since the early days, with songs like 1999’s “Lit Up” or “For the Movies.” With that being said, Frontman Josh Todd has kept Buckcherry going strong with their original, straight format, and the day he ‘sold his soul to Rock-n-Roll’ was when it was determined that Buckcherry would make waves as a genuine Rock band in a time where there were few.
The truth is that Buckcherry is like an old friend who disregards trends and remains genuinely themselves. A characteristic that has enabled the band to maintain a long and successful career, Buckcherry has released ten studio albums through 2023’s Vol. 10 and has consistently toured, sustaining a highly dedicated following. Now, in 2025, they return with album number eleven, Roar Like Thunder.
Out on June 13, 2025, via Round Hill Records, Roar Like Thunder found Todd, Stevie D. (lead/rhythm guitar), Kelly LeMieux (Bass), Francis Ruiz (drums), and Billy Rowe (rhythm guitar) back in the studio once more. Working with the award-winning Producer Marti Frederiksen, he has collaborated with many notable artists, including Aerosmith, and previously teamed up with Buckcherry for their 2008 album, Black Butterfly. A great combination, in discussing the new album, Todd himself has said-
“Roar Like Thunder is going to lift your spirits, shake you up, and remind you why the hell you started listening to rock ‘n’ roll! ”
A statement that should excite fans, the last almost three decades have been good for Buckcherry, considering they have multi-platinum albums to their name. Yet could Roar Like Thunder keep them in the charts?
Making a good case to do so, the album comes at you with ten Rock songs full of vigor. The opening track, “Roar Like Thunder,” begins with precisely that: a thunder roar and clap. Incorporating their original high-energy sound, it reveals that the band’s originality remains intact. Guitarist Stevie D. even gives you a tasty, memorable riff right before the bridge.
Moving on, with “When The Sun Goes Down,” Ruiz kicks the song off with a steady, heavy yet straightforward beat matched with heavy riffs. Meanwhile, Todd’s lyrical topics of sex and partying continue, because that is what Rock-n-Roll historically is all about…right? Considering this, “Talking Bout Sex” is certainly no “Crazy Bitch,” yet it is still a very arousing and rowdy song that makes you move in a way that you never have befor. Even though you might not be as sex crazed as the song implies, you might feel like you are after one listen.
Jumping ahead further, “Set It Free” has a heavy Billy Squier feel that stands out. Furthermore, Todd’s voice, being one of the most unique in Rock today, makes the track what it is. Projecting a loose, vibrant feel with lyrics like “set yourself free” and “be what you wanna be,” it is one of the highlights of the album. Then everything comes crashing to an end with the firecracker “Let it Burn,” with sirens sounding at the start and party-like lyrics and another bridge with some great guitars.
Sticking around through thick and thin, Buckcherry is still kickin’ it and pulling it off with their brand of Rock-n-Roll. An album that will please long-time fans and remind you of Buckcherry’s power, Cryptic Rock gives Roar Like Thunder 5 out of 5 stars.
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