PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS are a Welsh hard rock band who should be very familiar to those of you who were huge followers of hard rock band MOTORHEAD as they were led by both LEMMY KILMISTER and PHIL CAMPBELL. However of course, since the death of LEMMY KILMISTER in 2015, MOTORHEAD went no further as the band would have not been the same, but this didn’t discourage guitarist PHIL CAMPBELL from calling it a day with the life of a true icon and rock ‘n’ roll star. Instead it inspired him to keep going and the year after in 2016, he began to write his own music as well as getting his own band together along with three of his sons, believe it or not, you are not mistaken.

Of course PHIL remains playing guitar, alongside his sons; TODD also on guitar, TYLA on bass guitar and DANE on drums as well as JOEL PETERS who came in at a much later stage on vocals, after the band parted ways with their original vocalist. Not long after the formation of this hard rock band, they came to releasing their self-titled EP in 2016, named after themselves, this was really just the beginning of a new journey for PHIL CAMPBELL at least. They came to releasing a live EP as well in 2017 titled LIVE AT SOLOThURN but they certainly didn’t keep everyone waiting too long until their debut album arrived the year after in 2018 titled THE AGE OF ABSURDITY so of course it exceeded expectations, as well as winning best debut album at the Metal Hammer Awards 2018.

After their debut album came out, they released a follow up album which was titled WE’RE THE BASTARDS coming out with thirteen brand new tracks in 2020, after this the band did release a live album titled LIVE IN THE NORTH a few years later in 2023 which was live versions of previously released tracks. Now that we have entered the new year of 2024, the band themselves released what is their third studio album in late 2023, which is titled KINGS OF THE ASYLUM, as the first track of eleven called “Walking In Circles” as the drums and electric guitar kick off the album in style, as the guitar plays such a high pitch riff. Vocals are a right kick in the teeth, as the drums produce such badass breakdowns, as well as vocals executing those high notes, what a range the vocalist has indeed.

Screeching guitar and vocal sustaining notes, is just a pleasure to listen to, what an introduction to this brand new album, as we allow ourselves to be sucked into the second track which is “Too Much Is Never Enough”. Drums shoot quick bullet notes, as guitar and vocals follow on, even the lyrical content is very appealing, bass guitar sets the tone so well, as the guitar goes wild once more with vibrato style solo riffs. Drums laid down so simply with accents and colorization along the way, as the next track is up now titled “Hammer And Dance”, as drums set the pace with guitar straight in there before the verse section is really set in stone. Low end notes and textures from the drums does provide a lot of warmth, vocals have such a charismatic approach yet no nonsense as they are combining with those high end guitar solo riffs again.

It is safe to say the high end guitar notes are complimented more by the vocals as well as the drums, so we must move on into the next track which is “Strike The Match” as we hear those battering drum notes to signal the transition into track four. Drums count on a very convincing rhythm as guitar and vocals do come in after that, even the vocal harmonies in the background as well really does add that glam rock vibe to this track. The lead vocals as well as just pure class, deep in tone and grinding through those lyrics, with such a grunt when it is so effective and high in pitch when required. More time for guitar to shine as well as drums creating those breakdowns followed by a classic crescendo building with guitar, to total hardcore rock ‘n’ roll at its very best.

“Schizophrenia” is now up with subtle drums and sliding guitar so glamorous and glorifying at the same time, as the school of hardknocks is defined in the sound of guitar and vocals, as well as drums providing the underbelly of how crazy this track can get. Sensational guitar work is just so mighty and monstrous as well, the vocals even bouncing on a rhythm with echo and harmonies too. “Kings Of The Asylum” as we come to a track with a different tempo and time structure, what a surprise but yet such a special treat for keen listeners of this band, as the band exemplify themselves and should be given full credit for. Drums are certainly so funky and cool, as vocals follow along in a similar manner, it is such a creative opportunity for all instruments to play to.

Even a drum pattern with low end toms being used so well, before the track has more guitar solo riffs, as well as vocals giving such clarity on all their notes. Just such a sweet sound of those guitar solos, as well as double vocals, possibly two vocal lines layered or the same vocal line double tracked in some way. “The Hunt” is such a clear and perhaps sending shivers down the listeners spine as there is definitely a MOTORHEAD-esque theme to this track as guitars are very much leading from the front, as drums do so well to support. Drums then create another tremendous crescendo, as the breakdown comes down like a tonne of bricks with wild guitar solos and vocal outbursts, as we head onto the next track which is “Show No Mercy”.

The eighth track now has more of what we have heard of before, with a count in on hi-hats from the drummer, sliding guitar notes and vocals coming in hard to punch in those high harsh notes, with such determination and confidence. Drums are literally on the ball, with such consistent patterns without really breaking a sweat, as guitar producing some more sublime notation with such power and precision. The momentum is strong and keeps on rolling until the next track comes which is “No Guts! No Glory”, as cymbal hits are first before vocals have their say, as guitar provides the main melody that doesn’t actually intertwine with drums or vocals. There are such terrifying feelings also being conjured up by vocals and guitar as well, guitar even has a much longer period to expand their horizons.

After such an attacking track with such style and outrageous guitar riffs, we come to the penultimate track which is “Ghosts”, as cymbal hits are first with guitar notes being played individually. As there is a sense of creepiness and perhaps paranormal theme being chosen in this track as every instrument does well to create such a haunting atmosphere, but another guitar solo halfway through stands out just as much as it has done in previous tracks. A repeat of what we heard at the beginning with cymbal hits but then an even more frightening mood is set with screams, organ playing and mysterious sounds in the nightmare realm being created. “Maniac” is the final track of this album, as we hear a thumping drum pattern to start with before the main melody is played by guitar as vocals are layered on top.

There is very much an uncensored approach with the lyrical content, but nevertheless, the message couldn’t be more clearer, as this track is all about not giving a toss about what someone else thinks but going with the flow. The vocal harmonies as well on those keywords that are uncensored are very much the theme to this album in general, as well as the band with how they want to be perceived to their fanbase. Over time, a crescendo can be heard, with all instruments contributing, as it gets louder and harder with drums as well as vocals being key to what is the closing curtain on this album, but no better way to finish indeed. This album is just pure perfection, I kid you not, if you loved MOTORHEAD then look no further than this band, you will not be disappointed, it has everything you want from a hard rock ‘n’ roll band featuring PHIL CAMPBELL himself. Absolutely delighted to have listened to this and make sure to follow them online on all platforms.