Present day Rock N' Roll has never really wedged my interest as something that is too good. After the breakout of the 90s oriented Hard Rock, especially what came from American soil, made me think that the old kind died for good with no turning back the clock. However, over the years I found a few bands, like early NICKELBACK, Swedish VON BENZO and the Grunge ditchers of FOO FIGHTERS among the few, that made me think a little different of the modern invasion and utter corruption that I thought that Hard Rock / Rock N' Roll has been going. Maybe there is still hope for the good stuff. When I was introduced to the young German doped and drunken DAMAGED band co-formed by the son of Udo Dirkschneider, I had my doubts about their debut EP, "Road Trip". Eventually I came through as I came across a nice sense of groove and clear paved road to the style that was carved by the land of opportunities more than twenty years ago.

Though the opening Rock shebang of "Liquor & Poker" wasn't that appealing to my ears, especially the wholly weak lead guitar that was even beneath a child's play, it had something to offer like groove and cool vocals besides the recommendation to joining the band in drinking or whatever else they were planning to do when they thought about this song. "Road Trip" brought them one step closer to glory with a crunchy Hard Rocker that was a little catchier and heavier than the previous number. Even the lead guitar section was better than before. Was it a sign of progress? Well, "Long Gone Creed" didn't show it but when "Given Up To Praise" entered my ears, I started feeling better. I liked the riffing, simple enough to comprehend, and the towering chorus was hard-hitting and compelling. "Never Leaves My Mind" served as fine ending, not too shabby, but didn't come close to the previous track that Rocked harder.

DAMAGED has great groove in their music, they shift their music between Rock N' Roll, Hard Rock and a little Stoner affiliations. Their compositions are simple, partially accessible played by ample musicians. I suggest that in the full length, which will probably be coming soon enough, these guys would try to implement a melodic edge along with some high profile soloing. Also, I would propose on producing the guitars differently. Probably because it was produced by Udo's guitarist, Oliver Kaufmann, those sound similar to UDO's sound. For my taste it sounds too fake and less genuine for an actual amp. Let's see how it goes next...