PLAINRIDE is kick ass Stoner rock & roll from Colonge, Germany.  The band self describes their sound as follows: Earth rockin' drums, A beard growth inducing bass, Fuzzomental guitars, The roar of a Wolfman, and a whole lotta beer. Who am I to argue? Seems pretty spot on to me.  They also have an unhealthy focus on jackalopes. But then again, who doesn't? "Life on Ares" is a fun album that should appeal to those that dig FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, HIGH ON FIRE, CLUTCH and similar. "Life on Ares" is their second album, and like their debut, "Return of the Jackalope", it comes to us via Ripple Music. The album starts off with "A Firey Demise" a prologue track replicating a spacecraft or airplane crash. Thus, the album subtitled, "Thrilling Tales From A Strange Planet" commences and metamorphoses into "El Coyote". With tribal drums, chants and a blistering feedback laden guitar, "El Coyote" blows in like a storm and immediately demands your attention.

"I've been bitten by a serpent of fire..."

Great lyrics being delivered by Max Rebel in a powerful, rasp. There's immense fuzz, thundering drums and bass. Basically everything you could want. This is a superb lead off track, and easily apparent why it was chosen as the first single. The power surge continues with "Battletoads". In addition to the epic song title, this track continue the assault. "Seven Of Spades" share more than a passing resemblance to MOTORHEAD's "Ace of Spades", and as the shortest track at 1:20, it's a brief, but effective tribute to the legendary band that fits nicely in the mix of the album. "Bite Back" features the rhythm section prominently and rocks as hard as any track on "Life on Ares". Beringer's bass work here is outstanding. Heavy riffs and even leads. Not to be overshadowed, Schenkler's percussion work is equally impressive here. There's a lot of intricacies occurring, a lot of specialized drums. It's awesome.

Finally, Rebel's vocals fit like a well worn glove, all while his and Klein's guitar work leave their mark in all the right places. "Wormhole Society" really seems to turn on a different switch somewhere for Rebels vocals. From this track on I really noticed a "Southern Sludge/Rock" influence on his vocals. And as strange as this sounds coming from a German band, it absolutely works, effectively. Very effectively. The full band showcase continues through "Texas Labyrinth", with each members contributions on full display. There's a lot of talent residing within PLAINRIDE, and they show amazing respect for one another by allowing each instrument it's moment throughout "Life on Ares". "Blood on the Crown" slows down the pace a bit, but not the intensity. It's still a powerful song, that slowly boils and builds, erupting like a volcano in the end. "Thunder & Awe". The title should speak for itself, and it does. Continuing the full band showcase, this one might be one less inspiring tracks for me, but it's still a far better presentation than you'll find on most band's sophomore albums.

"Anaximander (And The Riddle of Origin)" close out this really fine album. I'm again reminded of the Southern Sludge/Rock feel, with Rebel's vocals mixing with spoken parts . There's a spacey feedback portion that fuels into the fiery solo before the song  close out to more feedback. I'm actually sad this one is done. PLAINRIDE's "Life on Ares" is pretty special. It's more than I was expecting, and one that I'll enjoy for some time to come. Do yourself a favor and check these guys out. I think you'll be glad you did.