Formed in the late 90s in Atlanta, Georgia, hard rockers MAD MARGRITT have had an impressive career playing with some of the biggest bad asses of the industry such as RATT, KISS, CINDERELLA, WARRANT, GREAT WHITE, DOKKEN, QUEENSRYCHE, SKID ROW, POISON, WHITESNAKE, BRET MICHAELS and TESLA, both on tour and on compilation albums. Upon first listen of their latest release, "Show No Mercy", it's not hard to see why they've toured with the greats. They give it out in equal measure.

Any fans of the lead guitar greats are in for a real treat with Carl Culpepper. The opening track, "The Way Your Loving Me" immediately gives you a taste of what you're in for. Crank it up! You're also in for tight vocal harmonies a la ROCK SUGAR. The original lyrics will take you back to the day and are written by lead singer and band founder, Eddie Smith. You'll find in Eddie a consistent and powerful upper register. Smoke continues to billow from Carl's Gibson in "I Can't Get Enough." No, upgrade that to full freakin' blaze! It's quite appropriate that there is a track called "Down In Flames," which is this reviewer's album fave. "Touch Too Much" is an AC/DC cover from the "Highway to Hell" album, in which Smith offers smoother and more intelligible vocals than the original. These guys seem to aptly cover the hell out of any band they set their mind to. (See upcoming 80s night gig report). "Indian Summer" slows it down to a short acoustic track showcasing Carl. "Only In My Dreams" continues adagio into a "Hotel California"-type vibe. "Breaking Down" gives a riff nod to Progressive Metal as the album closer.

Another aspect that makes this album so killer is you can hear everything very clearly - Eddie's lyrics, the guiding heartbeat of Brandon Faulkner's drums and Skip Mullis' bass, and Carl's fiery lead licks. You don't hear this every day out of a hard-rocking band. Often you get catchy mish-mash and no more. "Show No Mercy" is a definite must-have!

Another note for you, dear reader...If you "can't get enough" of MAD MARGRITT after "Show No Mercy," look for them at current local pub gigs around Atlanta, on their 27-city US tour in early 2014 or on these previous releases: "Animal" (2007), "Bon Appetite: A Tribute To The Bon Scott Years of AC/DC" (2002 compilation), "Hollywood Hairspray Volume 3" (2004 compilation), and "Cold Sweat" (1997). And if that's still not enough, talk to promoters to get them to a stage near you.