WARRANT – Louder ◊ Harder ◊ Faster [Japanese Edition +1 bonus] 2017, MP3+FLAC

After seven years since their last studio album ‘Rockaholic’, WARRANT were back in business with “Louder Harder Faster“, this time produced by Jeff Pilson, the veteran bassist who has played with Dokken, Foreigner, Dio and T&N among others, and mixed by Pat Regan (Quiet Riot, Keel). This Japanese edition (out of print) includes a bonus track.

The title speaks volumes. In Warrant’s tenth studio album are echoes of their early hit-records 1989’s Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich and 1990’s Cherry Pie – but the L.A. band’s material here is, as advertised… louder, harder, faster.
With four veterans of their glory days still present, alongside former Lynch Mob singer Robert Mason, the band’s line-up remains the same as on their previous album Rockaholic, released in 2011, three months before the death of original, unique frontman Jani Lane.
This album’s tone is set with the opening title track, a flat-out blaster. There’s more heavy fire in ‘Music Man’ and ‘New Rebellion’, the latter reminiscent of vintage Skid Row. ‘Devil Dancer’ is another anthemic rock track where the energy is alive and the band still move in the direction of the passion in their music. ‘Perfect’ is easier and more laid back, but so attractive as well.

There’s so many rhythms going on with ‘Only Broken Heart’, Steve Sweet and Jerry Dixon are in the spotlight here with heavy guitars. A great sound for this song where the vocals are spot on as well – one of the best tracks on the CD.
The ballad arrives with the melodious ‘U In My Life’, where Mason’s voice is delicate as all the parts of the melodies, Warrant’s love songs have always had something magical.
‘Let It Go’ has a very hard rock-pop flavor to it. A great ending to such a fantastic album. The chorus makes you feel good. A positive outlook of change. The guitar is perfectly matched underneath the chorus with a smooth melodic line.

Japanese bonus track ‘Stop The World’ is a full-throttle rocker with a nervous heavy rhythm and razor fiffs – a heavier side of Warrant.
The CD also include a remake of the classic Merle Haggard song ‘I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink’. The track was recorded by Warrant for the Professional Bull Riders, and has become the organization’s new party anthem. It sounds quite different than the rest of the CD, the only song mixed by Chris “The Wizard” Collier (Last In Line).

”Louder, Harder, Faster”’… that is exactly what is given here. Sometimes people talk the talk, but never walk the walk. Warrant has walked the walk. They have definitely provided listeners with one of the best melodic hard rock albums from 2017.
Back in 2011, ‘Rockaholic’ was one of the best of the year. As far as we’re concerned this one is even better. Hats off to Jerry Dixon, Erik Turner, Joey Allen and Steven Sweet, they never disappoint keeping Warrant’s legacy alive.
HIGHLY Recommended

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01 – Louder Harder Faster
02 – Devil Dancer
03 – Perfect
04 – Only Broken Heart
05 – U In My Life
06 – Music Man
07 – Faded
08 – New Rebellion
09 – Big Sandy
10 – Chose Your Fate
11 – Let It Go
12 – Stop The World [Japanese Bonus Track]
13 – I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink

Robert Mason – lead vocals
Joey Allen – lead and rhythm guitar
Erik Turner – rhythm and lead guitar
Jerry Dixon – bass
Steven Sweet – drums

MP3 FLAC