From their EPK, "The hard rockers SERGEANT STEEL, founded in 2007, are back with the new album "Mister Sippi." The fifth studio album by Austria's hard rock band #1 will be released on June 30th, 2023, and is the successor to their most successful album "Truck Tales" from 2020. SERGEANT STEEL has always worked with different influences for their interpretation of hard rock. The group has always been inspired by the Sunset Strip scene (GUNS N' ROSES, RATT) and other stadium rock heroes of the 80s such as early BON JOVI, CINDERELLA or WHITESNAKE, combined with the music by legends like AEROSMITH, RAINBOW and JUDAS PRIEST. The album has ten songs.

"Down to Mississippi" is the first. The sound is sleazy and dirty, like DANGEROUS TOYS meets LA GUNS. The vocalist has both an excellent range and really puts his all into the performance, and the backing vocals are also on point. "Please Me, Tease Me" has a flirtatious sound that is also just a little dangerous. Tease him, and you never know what might happen. The rhythm guitar tones are crunchy and rich, and really drive the sound here. "Mama Didn't Raise No Fool" has some POISON vibes with the Southern Rock sounds and slide guitar. The piano notes help to solidify this feeling as well. So far, the band is good at taking you back to the classics of the 1980's.

"Alive" has a fuller and richer sound, with positive tones. Phil begins with tender vocals and clean guitars back him up. The chorus is where they turn it up, and the lead breaks are full of whammy bar dives, as they should be. "My Way" has a sultry swing, then the vocals start off low and then dive upwards an octave. Most of the big sound comes in the chorus, which is a telltale style of the genre. The little lead breaks peppered in here and there also help thicken the sound. "Knight's Tale" opens with a raunchy riff and some low-end power. This darker and more brooding song has a ton of heavy energy, and a sparking guitar solo to boot. "Caught in the Web" features some keyboards...I was wondering when we might get a harder dose of these. From there, it's another sexy and weighted sound, with a great chorus.

"My Girl" is the obligatory "power ballad" on the album, with tender vocals, clean guitars, and some pensive lyrics. I also really like the bass line. It's also a love story of sorts, as he sings "please be my girl," and "please stay the night." It's a charming song. "Rock Your Pants Off" closes the album. It's the perfect album closer, and you can hear the gang shouting the chorus as they descent onto the new night. The live tracks in the background give it a more authentic feeling. The best part about the album is both the singer's undeniable prowess and the musicianship of the band as a whole. They play with swag, with confidence, and with a middle finger extended to critics. This is party rock, in the best sense of that phrase.