LYNCH MOB was formed in 1989 after George Lynch parted ways with his former band DOKKEN. Their debut release “Wicked Sensation” was met with critical and fan acclaim and went on to be certified gold in sales by the RIAA. The band would continue on through the years with a cast of talented players joining Lynch throughout their musical journey over the course of six more studio albums. “Babylon” is the band’s eighth studio album overall and the first since 2017’s “The Brotherhood.”

 “Erase” is first, and the first thing that I notice about the music is that it lacks the heavy distortion of previous LYNCH MOB work, but it is a catchy song, with trademark Lynch guitar work. “Fire Master” is another easy listening song, but the riff sounds like the band is struggling to come up with original ideas. This is often the case with a band so far removed from their glory days, unfortunately. “I’m Ready” is more like it. The chorus is rich and full, and the vocal harmonies are on point.

 “How You Fall” has some nifty bass work but again, the riff just sounds tired. Lynch’s lead work is also nowhere near where it used to be. “Let It Go” has a very basic riff, and is just thin. What is missing is the filled out distorted guitars of yesteryear. It’s not as bad as DOKKEN’s last album, but it isn’t much better either. “Fire Master” is another puzzling song. The question that immediately comes to mind is, “where are your guitar pyrotechnics, Mr. Guitar God? It’s hard not to make that comparison when you grew up in the 80’s and with this music.

 “The Synner” is a slow moving blues piece that definitely has some ZEPPELIN influence, especially in the riff and drum work. The title track closes what has been quite a lackluster album for me. Eight minutes long? I hate to say it, but much of the song is filler. Overall, this was a tired and uninspired effort to me sounds like a release for the sake of a release, meaning that none of those trademark Lynch riffs or solos was anywhere to be found. Understand this: it is very hard for bands that have been around this long to continue to make good and original material, but this doesn’t even come close.