When I received SEBASTIAN BACH's new album I must admit that from the beginning I didn't know how to react to it. Bach is my favorite Hard Rock singer and I grew up on SKID ROW. They have been running as the soundtrack of my life since I remember myself. I spent my youth listening to their demos, their S/T album and the later "Slave To The Grind" are on my top five albums of all time. It wasn't easy at all to make that pass from Sebastian's past material to his new solo album. So what has been going on in the life of Sebastian lately? He divorced from his wife, Marie Bierk, after 18 years of marriage, he lost his home to Hurricane Irene but all that didn't stop him from "Kicking' & Screaming". The album was recorded during the period of February till April. Most of the songs were written by Bach's young guitarist player Nick Sterling, and by the producer Bob Marlette.

Most of the lyrics on the album contain issues of breaking up relationships while on the other hand relate to the act of kicking & screaming and find your new way in life as described on the song "I'm Alive", same as Sebastian did after turning to a new way. The first track from the album is very promising "Kicking' & Screaming". It has the right groove, the guitars are heavier than on the "Angel Down" record and it has a strong chorus, very catchy that will stick hard to your mind. Although it's not Bach of the 80's, his screams are moderate from when he was 18. He succeeds on carrying out the song.

"My Own Worst Enemy" is one of my favorite tracks of the album. It has some of the old roots of Hard Rock with nice guitar melodies. One thing that I can't disregard from is the amazing drum work of Bobby Jarzombek that keep on surprising and makes his work so interesting."Dance On Your Grave" has the modern Metal sound but I could feel the Hard Rock rhythm in it that took me several years back. Another good point here is the guitar solo which is outstanding while showing a good cooperation between Bobby and Nick. "As Long As I Got The Music" keeps with the Hard Rock 80s line but with some southern sound. The solo guitar reminded me a little bit of AEROSMITH.

"I'm Alive"is the most touching song here. Good lyrics as I mentioned above, described the breaking up situation of Bach and each one that ends up his relationship. The strongest line here is "cause I'm alive, this love's fake, wake up tomorrow, brand new day". Another great track here is "Live The Life" that starts quietly and slowly builds up the energy. The song was lead by a tight bass line that developed to a chorus that got some BLACK SABBATH oriented riffs. The song was built in the way that it will hook up each verse to each chorus and the rocking part in the end of it that takes the song to a different level.Sebastian is one of my favorite singers all time, during the listening I asked where is that high pitched unique voice that I used to love as I heard on SKID ROW songs. It finally came down to the song "One Good Reason" and it came as I remembered like in the old days, sharp, attacking with a lot of powerful energy. Damn, this is absolutely the Bach singing that was on the "Slave To The Grind" album with all his heavy breathing during the singing.

The ballads "Dream Forever" and "Wishin" didn't tear me apart, those were ok. I didn't feel they came close to "By Your Side" &"Falling Into You" from his previous album. It wasn't easy to write this review on my idol, especially when you know that what you got used to admire 20 years ago won't be on this album and you have to get use to the change and maturity. It took me some time to get used to the "Kicking & Screaming" as I explored it. It has great moments and some simple too. It combines the hard rocking SEBASTIAN BACH with modern Metal tap that will take you to another "Youth Gone Wild" journey but in a different time setting.