I believe JACKYL is one of those US bands that have not gotten far the American boundaries and hence, its name is pretty unknown to majority of the European audience. I avoided using the term 'metalheads', since JACKYL cannot be labeled as a pure Metal band.

JACKYL made quite an introduction to the US market back in 1992 with the release of the self-titled debut album that was awarded as platinum. This was quite an achievement taking into consideration their southern Hard Rock sound released during the glorious days of the Grunge scene. Apart from the honest attitude, JACKYL's frontman had an idea that was meant to characterize the band ever since; the chainsaw solo featured in "The Lumberjack" was something totally new and I dare to say cool sounding!

So, this American band returns in the discography almost 8 years after the "Relentless" release and the first CD spin says that they still sound like the 90s. Indeed, the album opener "Loads Of Fun" carries all the US Hard Rock virtues with a hearty dose of southern atmosphere especially in the guitars. This track is totally catchy with a killer mood lifting groove that slowly reveals some early AC/DC influences that are underlined by Jesse Dupree vocals. His voice lies somewhere between Bon Scott and Brian Johnson with a distinct southern accent that makes this mix absolutely addictive. The songs stick to the basics and come in the front with an in-your-face attitude and teasing lyrics that some in the US might find not-politically correct and this is what we all like! A fine example is the riff based "She's Not A Drug" that also comes with a killer guitar solo and a nice dancing groove during which you can let your imagination take you in a motorcycle bar and enjoy the sexy dancers (another non-politically correct comment...).

Before the release of this album, JACKYL faced the ridiculous criticism about the track "Just Like A Negro" that the aforementioned uptight righteous Americans thought as a racist song. But, wait a minute; can a track featuring the guest vocals of the black artist DMC beconsidered as an act of racism? Can a grip of yourself! And this track is such a delight comprising another great groove brings to mind similar collaborations of DMC with ANTHRAX and AEROSMITH.

So, JACKYL walk on the same old path they carved from the early 90s. The whiskey atmosphere is all around, the attitude is the same and the riffs just invite you to drink some alcohol and dance your ass off to the rhythms! The only thing that is missed in this album is the chainsaw solo that as Jesse told METAL TEMPLE (the interview will get online soon)did not fit in these songs, but we can wait until the Chicago live date...