BLACK STAR RIDERS
The Killer Instinct
Nuclear Blast
Let’s get formalities out of the way up front: you should already know that Black Star Riders was the original incarnation of the last Thin Lizzy line-up, led by classic-era-veteran Scott Gorham and singer Ricky Warwick of biker metal band The Almighty who also has a couple of solo albums under his belt.
With Nick Raskulinecz twiddling the dials (Foo Fighters, Mastodon, Alice In Chains, Rush), and guitarist and co-songwriter with Warwick, Damon Johnston and drummer Jimmy DeGrasso returning from the first BSR album, all that remained was to find a bass player who could replace effervescent star Marco Mendoza, who left to pursue his work with his own band and The Dead Daisies. Enter ex-Ratt, Vince Neil and Lynch Mob rumbler, Robbie Crane.
You can hear the band members’ collective experience on The Killer Instinct, as well as the results of their relentless gigging over the past couple of years – these cats are tight, man.
Running the gamut from denim and leather rockers (The Killer Instinct, Bullet Blues, You Little Liar) to Celtic-tinged stompers (Turn In Your Arms, Soldierstown) and even a slow-burning epic (Blindsided), The Killer Instinct showcases great performances from all involved.
More importantly, it proves these old dogs still have teeth to take a bite out of it, and the promise of more music – and more evolution – from them is exciting indeed.
SHANE PINNEGAR
