Debauchery has been always a part of Rock and Hard Rock throughout the years. Bands like UGLY KID JOE, BUTTHOLE SURFERS and even STEEL PANTHER use humour, and sometimes bad taste, to add some laughs in their lyrics and performance. Within this genre we have the French band OVERDRIVERS that are releasing their 3rd album Glory Or Nothing via Rock Of Angels Records. The first 3 tracks of the album will show you that it is exactly what it says on the tin.

Basic Hard Rock with a lot of energy and humor, filled with chants to be sung by the audience on live performances. Highlight for “Overdrivers” and "Glory Or Nothing” that is sung by singer and guitar player Adrien Desquirez that has a very high register. The band has a previous album called She’s On Her Period and they are not shy on risky titles or song names like in the track “My Girlfriend Is A Pornstar” that the lyrics describe the fun of having one. Or maybe “Guitar Playboy” that has an interesting guitar riff and a sweet bass line provided by bass player Lion Das Neves. The guys are definitely well seasoned musicians and are well known for their crazy live performances. Although most of the songs on Glory Or Nothing seem to be based in good Hard Rock, there are a few tracks that are a little slower paced, kind of where you can almost decipher the lyrics such as “Ready For The Rodeo” and “In Fear, Blood and Fire”.

The band has also a second guitar player, what was called in the old times as a lead guitar player. His name is Anthony Clay and he does more than the solos. Check his work on “Meet The Monsters” and you will hear a mean guitar riff and solo. The band, despite being French, has their work all done in English and this is curious. I believe if you want to reach a broader market, this may be essential. OVERDRIVERS also has a competent drummer in Florian Morgano providing a solid foundation for the other guys to show their chops. Some of the songs are not directly attached to the humorous approach. Tracks like “We Are One” have a more thematic and serious tone and lyrics.

The highlights of the album for me are the songs “ Perfection Is My Name” and the final track "In Fear, Blood And Fire” that brings an epic touch that reminded me of some Heavier bands in Metal that like to dress like warriors. This is a good release if you just like to listen to some energetic and well played songs. Not many layers to unpeel. Just basic good Hard Rock. The album cover says it all.