One of the biggest Metal bands from the ’80s era, Mötley Crüe has returned! Their first release of original music since “The Dirt (Est. 1981)” emerged on The Dirt film soundtrack in 2019, the band’s new EP, Cancelled, arrives on Friday, October 4, 2024. A debut release with their new label Big Machine Rock (after an agreement reached in April of this year), the release includes three songs from the legendary collective and is complete with the entire core of the band, save for Mr. Mick Mars. With it, you have Vocalist Vince Neil, Bassist Nikki Sixx, and Drummer Tommy Lee, alongside the highly talented Guitarist John 5 rocking out some new tunes.
A sweet surprise just before the holiday season gets cooking, it is a bit of an unorthodox delivery system, but as mentioned, Mötley Crüe offers three songs with the EP; “Dogs of War,” “Cancelled,” and “Fight for Your Right,” which is a cover of the Beastie Boys’ classic. With “Dogs of War” leading the lineup for the fresh EP, the band immediately makes a soapbox statement – We are Mötley Crüe, and we will be here for years to come. The track harks back to the early days of the band, all with a blend of new energy, as well as some historic nostalgia. With this, John 5 is featured heavily, and he does not disappoint. The heavy, rumbling, almost destructively powerful riffs shoot to the surface, making you realize this new Mötley Crüe music is for real.
Then there is the Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right.” An interesting cover, it will not exactly send your running to the store to purchase Cancelled, but it shows not only the versatility of the group’s new member but also the willingness to expand horizons and attempt things that may seem a bit unorthodox. John 5 shines once more and is firmly supported by the rumbling bass work of Nikki Sixx, the groove and the roll of Tommy Lee’s playing, as well as the ever-impressive vocals of Vince Neil. The finished product may be overshadowed by the fact that it is indeed a cover, but that should not take away from the artistry displayed.
This leads us to the only non-pre-released track, “Cancelled.” The crown jewel of the distribution begins with drum work that is reminiscent of soldiers marching to battle. The notes bring glimpses of the 1980s heyday, and the vocals run neck and neck with the rest of the band. Neil’s soaring abilities catch you quickly, grip you tight, and hold on for the duration. Altogether, it is a wild ride, and if you need any proof that Mötley Crüe is still the standard for Heavy Metal, this track is it.
“Cancelled” may be a track fans waited the longest for, but it was worth waiting for. On full display in front of the world, it shows that not only are the band committed to the future, but daring those around them to reach their level. Hoping this will lead us to the band’s first studio album since 2008’s Saints of Los Angeles, Cryptic Rock gives Cancelled 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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