No Favors are a UK band from Stoke, which is close to the city of Birmingham which has produced some of the best Heavy Metal bands of all time. No Favors was formed in the 80's by a group of local musicians which included current guitarist Carl Ogden .In the early days the band played alongside some of the greats which include Saxon, Magnum and Wishbone Ash. The band which is now revitalised alongside Carl comes new members Dani J Rankin ,Dan Ogden ,Pete Challinor and Tom Bevan. ,together the new line up have created an album of fresh classic rock tracks which incorporate the timeless sound from their history. The album was engineered, produced and mastered by Jonny Price at Lower-Lane Studios Stoke-On-Trent England.

“The Monkeys Are In Charge Of The Zoo” is a solid opener to this album ,an absolute rocker of a track it's infectious heavy riffs, hooks and melody along with Dani J Rankin's snarling vocals this track needs to be played loud! “Stop Where You Are” is more melodic ,particularly in the chorus which is very catchy, atmospheric with the harmonies, which just has that hook which sticks in your head. ”Destiny” with a synth like intro then kicks into some heavy riffs, Tom Bevan's drums are prominent high in the mix which give the track that kick, alongside some blazing guitar work ,superb solo with again some excellent vocals .”Wild Days” is a power ballad reminiscing on life gone by with acoustic guitar touches which just builds with a superb solo ,great lyrics ,a well written song that back then would have been a smash hit, songs like this should be flying high in the charts again. “Need For Speed” is high octane fast tempo heavy metal track ,which I can't help but think Dani J Rankin sounds like Blackie Lawless in the early days, this is the perfect track to bang your head to superb, the sports commentary is a nice touch to give the track that nostalgic touch. ”No Looking Back” has a dramatic ,epic beginning with again some superb vocals, before launching into a bluesy rock melody, the guitar work is electric ,the melody and rhythm is excellently executed. “Never Let You Go” has a thunderous bass line, another catchy chorus, another great rocker of a track, ”Only Memories Remain” another ballad is a very powerful, emotional track which builds and soars mid track before a mellow calming end. ”My World, Your World , Our World” is again a track which musically, vocally kicks arse! ,the chorus so simple but effective ,another track which sticks in your head ,its fresh ,but classic rock too. ”Little White Lies” the longest track on this album ,is  just as solid musically and vocally ,a great way to end this album.

Well what can I say this album is a monster! From beginning to end this album from No Favors deliver a solid Heavy Metal/Hard Rock album for 2024.There is some superb guitar work, excellent drum and bass rhythm, with some great vocals, with great production which all gel together to make “The Eleventh Hour” for me one of the best albums from a heavy rock UK band /artist has released this year, also proving NWOBHM is very much still alive and kicking! Definitely a big recommendation from me!