SKID ROW – The Gang’s All Here (Album Review)

Full Disclosure

Full Disclosure:  I’m a huge fan of Erik Grönwall from back in his H.E.A.T days.  I think he’s one of the best frontmen I have seen live.  As a matter of fact, my jaw literally (yes, literally) dropped, when I first saw him front H.E.A.T on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise.  Consequently, I was crushed when he left H.E.A.T, then devasted when he announced he was diagnosed with leukemia.  However, he kicked cancer’s ass.

Then later, he posted on social media that he had “come full circle” and would now be fronting Skid Row.  Perfect!  And so, it really is “full circle” and it’s an excellent fit.  The Gang’s All Here proves it!  Skid Row knocks it out of the park with this album!  It’s like having Erik join, re-energized the entire band.  The entire band kicks ass the whole way through this hard-hitting album.  It is just what Skid Row fans have been waiting for.

Full Review

The opening track “Hell or High Water”, screams “Skid Row is BACK”. It is brimming with attitude, crazy-ass shredding guitars and Rob Hammersmith’s killer drum beats.  “Hell or High Water” sets the tone for the entire album.  Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

“The Gang’s All Here” was the first single and fitting because guess what?  With the addition of Erik the gang IS all here!  This song sounds like classic Skid Row.  Cool riffs and lyrics that take you back to the 90s.  “Tricky Little Vicky” from Rattlesnake Shake even shows up!  They did a really cool fan footage video for this one, great to see all those concert shots.

Not Dead Yet” is a shredder that does an excellent job of showing off Erik’s remarkable vocals and the commanding guitar skills of Dave Sabo and Scotti Hill.

Tick, Tick, Tick Boom!  “Time BombROCKS!!  It is the newest single and packs a powerful punch with Rachel Bolan’s bass thumping throughout.  So, turn this one up loud, but don’t blame me when you blow your speakers!

I love “Resurrected”. It could be Skid Row’s new theme song. It is a feel-good anthem that has you singing along and pumping your fist in the air.  A very appropriate song for this new lineup.

Nowhere Fast” and “Tear it Down” are heavier, hard-hitting, headbangers.  “Tear it Down” was the second single released.

The Lights Come On” is a total Skid Row party song!  In fact, I have one question- “where are we going to go when the lights come on?’

I’m trying to decide what to call “October Song”.  A Ballad?  Not really.  Maybe a Heavy Ballad… whatever you want to call it, it is beautiful.  It had fabulous lyrics, sweet-sounding guitars and Erik Grönwall’s seductive voice giving it his all.

The Gang’s All Here ends with a timely and poignant song “World On Fire”. A rallying call to wake up and unite.  It’s a great song!

Full Circle

Sometimes the puzzle pieces fall into place, the universe aligns and circles become full.  Without a doubt, this is just what is happening right here and right now with Skid Row.  We are lucky to be seeing it with our own eyes and hearing it with our own ears!

I really enjoy reading comments about how “the new kid” in Skid Row is absolutely blowing people away. Also, about how incredible the live shows are.  They truly are, fantastic full of energy and masterful musicianship.

On a completely selfish note, I am so happy that Skid Row has brought Erik Grönwall to the US and I’m thrilled to see a Swedish singer get such a positive reception!

And so, Skid Row proves once again, that rock is not dead as long as you know where to find it!

So, buy the album and see the shows

Kryfar

Check out more of my CGCM reviews at:https://cgcmrockradio.com/author/kryfar/

Photos by Kryfar

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