Seeing STINGER on my review list for this week excited me. I have followed the band for years, at one point begging our local record store to bring in their album for me, which they eventually did, and will again, I hope. Expect The Unexpected in the third release from STINGER, with the last being released in 2019, the title does not disappoint, this album is unlike any other album they have released.

As I said, I am a big fan of STINGER, their sound isn't one you hear all the time, and that is what gets me. "Diggin Up the Dirt" starts off the album with that dirty gritty rock guitar in your face, ready to tear down all the walls, and Martin Scharffrath comes at you with that voice that is full of energy and power, fulfilling rock and roll glory in a track.

"Chasing Utopia" enlists the talent of bass master Billy Sheehan,  the talent shows from the start of the track, bringing it alive and sets the tone for the rest of the song, with heavy bass lines and lyrics that match solidifying Billy and Simon Simon's place in music history with their talent and skill, forever together on this track, pulling the punches and bringing bass playing to the forefront, yet not overshadowing the other musicians' in the band.

"Glory and Pride" is sleaze rock in all its sleaze. Filled with guitar and that gritty vocal sound, the song pours out the rock and roll, freedom and a sound that goes unmatched in today's music. Beyond that, the harmonies and rhythm are strong and create a solid rock anthem.

"No More" takes the album in another direction, more bluesy and power driven, much like AC/DC on Fly on the Wall or Flick of the Switch. Sammy Sin on the drums leads this track out of the gate, and the rest of the band follows create a powerful rock, that pushes the limit of what each of the members can do, giving each the space and time needed to blend their talents together, and giving us a rock song for the ages.

Expect the Unexpected is a spiral of sounds, with "Not my Part" no exception. Somewhat sounding more of that hair metal leaning on Glam metal style, with hooks that have you singing along, guitar solos that are loud and proud and more pop sound to the track, yet it sticks to the gritty sound and remains true to the sound that Martin and the band envisioned from the beginning, and still pulling from their influences, which are broad and felt on this album.

I went back to the previous two albums, after listening to Expect the Unexpected, and asked myself, what did I expect? The only response I could come up with?  Dirty, loud and proud rock and roll. STINGER delivered, and did not disappoint. If anything, the band has evolved with the sound, while remaining true to themselves, their music and the fans, creating authentic rock and roll, that will stand the test of time to be listened to for many years to come.