The 90's helped a lot the Alternative Metal genres of The United States of America to come out of the underground, and many other genres that weren't in the old paradigm of Glam Metal or Thrash Metal (both being commercially successful genres during the second half of the 80's). One genre that had a new start was Hard Rock, but in a different outfit. And to understand a bit of it, maybe "Crimson & Stone", the latest album of the North American quartet VERMILION WHISKEY (that hails from South Louisiana) can be a compendium of many ideas. They're a Hard Rock band, but in the fusion of influences that is on their cauldron, tons of Southern Rock, Stoner Metal and even some traces of 90's touches (namely SOUNDGARDEN and MONSTER MAGNET).

In the end of all, their music sounds abrasive, greasy and extremely melodic (pay attention to the choruses and hooks), in a way that's impossible to the fans to resist to their musical grasp. And the energy release by these songs is really amazing. So what are you expecting for to dive into it and enjoy a lot? The album was recorded and mixed by OCD Recording & 10 South Productions, and mastered by Alan Douches (of West West Side Music). The sonority boosts the distortion and organic appeal of the songs, but always caring for a defined expression where the fans can understand what's being expressed on the songs. And honestly: many bands in such genre can learn a lot with them in this matter. And the artwork is really great a fine piece created by Steven Yoyada.

There are 8 greasy and catchy songs on this album, all of them giving a very good taste of what these whiskey abusers can do. But for a first time on the album, the right ones to begin with it are "Down on You" (a brutal and oppressive song filled with hooking dirt melodies, with tons of groove filling the excellent guitar riffs and charming solos), "The Get Down" (another greasy and abrasive moment based on very good guitars arrangements, but with bass guitar and drums supporting the rhythms in an excellent form), "Good Lovin'" (even with such dirty appeal, this song has more accessible melodies and charming Blues and Country elements, and the vocals are perfectly fitting on the instrumental parts), "Dissonance" (this one is filled with deep and melancholic melodies, with charming contrasts on the vocal tunes, and hypnotic rhythmic arrangements), and "Atrophy" (a more aggressive track, with oppressive guitar riffs with charming melodies) are the right ones.

The album will be out on May 26, so VERMILION WHISKEY's have to wait a bit more. But be sure: "Crimson & Stone" is really an excellent release.