- advertisement -

SINNER
Tequila Suicide
2017 AFM Records

“Loud and clear, play to win … don’t mess around, in for the kill …”

Mat Sinner is a part of many bands, including PRIMAL FEAR, ROCK MEETS CLASSIC and VOODOO CIRCLE. But it’s his namesake band SINNER that’s been releasing albums since the debut Wild ‘N’ Evil in 1982. That’s 35 years in case you were wondering. The band’s lineup has varied over the years, but one thing has stayed the same: you will always get catchy hard rock from a SINNER album, and the band’s 18th studio album Tequila Suicide is certainly no exception!

I really enjoyed the more recent SINNER albums, which seemed to move more toward catchy, hook-filled hard rock. 2011’s One Bullet Left was a solid release while 2013’s Touch Of Sin 2 referenced the band’s early material, when they were less of a power metal band. (The original Touch Of Sin was released in 1985). Tequila Suicide finds SINNER even hookier than before. Combined with some really cool guest appearances, Tequila Suicide is different from the rest of the band’s catalog, while staying true to the band’s legacy.

Guitarist Alex Scholpp joins Mat Sinner (bass, lead vocals) again, with the revised lineup also featuring current PRIMAL FEAR members Francesco Jovino (drums), and Tom Naumann (guitar), who both definitely bring something special to the band. So, you’ve got 3/5 of the current PRIMAL FEAR lineup on this album, which is certainly not a bad thing.

The album’s opening punch of “Go Down Fighting” is a blistering hard rocker that goes for the throat. I really enjoy the attitude and energy of this song. The title track, “Tequila Suicide”, follows, and it’s catchy as hell with its THIN LIZZY-esque guitars and chorus; you can’t help but sing along with this one. Ricky Warwick (BLACK STAR RIDERS) and Pete Lincoln (SWEET) contributed backing vocals to the song, and the video can be viewed on KNAC.COM right HERE.

“Road To Hell” is probably my favorite song on the album, featuring an expertly crafted riff and glorious bridge and chorus. “Dragons” is a tale about meeting a wizard in a bar, who warns about women who turn out to be dragons; a crazy concept, but a rocking song. The Gary Moore-flavored historical epic “Battle Hill” features guest vocals from Sascha Krebs (ROCK MEETS CLASSIC), who performs a medley with Mat. Next, the ballad “Sinner Blues” slows things down with an almost country-meets-gospel feel. Gus G (FIREWIND) adds an excellent solo to “Why”. “Gypsy Rebels” has a shout-along chorus that is infectious. “Loud And Clear” is an up-tempo signature SINNER song. The final track is the excellent “Dying On A Broken Heart”, a melancholy mid-tempo song once again featuring Sascha Krebs on backing vocals.

Tequila Suicide contains 10 songs and is around 40 minutes in length. I’m digging the contributions from Naumann and Jovino. Tom has become one of my favorite guitarists over the years and Francesco’s drum fills are a treat. The slick illustrated album covers continue with Tequila Suicide, this time with a Day Of The Dead theme that corresponds with the title. Mat and Dennis Ward worked together on the production, engineering and mix. Dennis has a long track record of successful collaborations, and he recently did fantastic work on FIREWIND’s Immortals album as well. Tequila Suicide sounds incredible and benefits from a really good mix. The album will be released in numerous formats by AFM Records on March 31st and will contain three bonus tracks on the limited edition digipak.

4.7 Out Of 5.0

Grab your copy of Tequila Suicide in the KNAC.COM More Store right HERE.