During the 80's, it was extremely common to have a wrong idea: bands as RATT, MÖTLEY CRÜE, BON JOVI, KISS and many others of Glam Metal/Hair Metal wave were labeled as 'Hard Rock', and this label was the same used by acts as AEROSMITH, DEEP PURPLE, LED ZEPPELIN, AC/DC and many others, and due the radical form of thinking given by early Thrash Metal acts along with 'manowarian' preaching to see them as 'false' (shame on them all, because such thing caused the downfall of Metal in the beginning of the 90's). And to separate things took a long time, and when the label Hard Rock was used, many fans refused to hear 'false Metal' music. So let's state one thing clear: Hard Rock and Glam/Hair Metal are different musical genres that share a lot of common features. And the Australian quintet DEAD CITY RUINS can be said as a Hard Rock band, as can be heard on "Shockwave" (released originally on 2021, but now is being released on USA).

The album's title is really full of sense, because their musical work is really a Hard Rock shockwave, full of energy and organic, pulsing with a nasty and melodic energy that's full of hooks. Of course one can say that their work would be a blend between influences of names as LED ZEPPELIN, AC/DC, THE CULT and others, but with a strong personality pulsing in all the songs, a trademark feature that isn't simple to describe in words, but belongs to them. And it's really a great experience to deal with such form of music that's easy to be assimilated, and for sure the fans will sing along with the band in the second time on the album. The band brought the North American producer Gene Freeman (who is known for his works with CLUTCH, LAMB OF GOD, and others) to work with the album's sonority. And they created something powerful, organic and defined, something the perfectly fits on the band's musical work, allowing the songs to be expressed as they need.

If you wanna Rock 'n' Roll, "Sockwave" is the right choice, because all the songs are a feast for the fans. The Bluesy/Hard Rock appeal of "Preacher" (an amazing energy and many hooks in the arrangements, and what a lovely chorus, and the vocals of the new front man Steve are amazing), the mighty weight of "Madness" (a not so fast set of tempos, but the Thomas on bass guitar and Nick of the drums is something great) and "Speed Machine" (this one has an accessible appeal, and what lovely sets of arrangements offered by Tommy and Sean on the guitar riffs and solos), the intense and deeper Southern/Country Rock essence of "Rain", the melodic grasp imposed by "Drifter" (and what a massive weight usual to Hard Rock is presented, as well as a melancholic feeling inherited from Blues) and "Spider" (another moment where Blues influences can be heard, but in a heavier way), and the modern feeling that fills "The Sorcerer" are the features that points them as the best ones for a first ride on the album (but all the songs are really great, mind you).

"Shockwave" is really a Hard Rock earthquake, and listen to it as much as you want, because DEAD CITY RUINS is just beginning their lesson. Listen and enjoy!