AMERICAN MOTHERLOAD


"Come to Life" (Zant; 2004)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Formerly known (and reviewed here) as Motherload, this Chicago-based hard rock band is about as solid as they come. Delivering an eclectic collection of strong, guitar-driven tunes that run the gamut from sounding a little like Jackyl to a little like Disturbed (how's that for a range?), "Come to Life" never lags.

"Suckerpunch" starts the CD off with a bang (after the brief introduction piece "Stone and the Stop"), giving the CD perhaps its fastest-paced and chunkiest tune. What follows are songs that alternate from straight-forward rockers ("the aforementioned "Suckerpunch" and others, like "Clear") to power ballads like "Home" or "Drown." The balance is near-perfect with never a dull moment and a driving cover of Cliff Richards' classic "Devil Woman" to top it all off.

Speaking of "Devil Woman," stay tuned for the scary answering machine message hidden in track 20.

Entertaining from start to finish, "Come to Life" is perfect for those who are looking for pure, unadulterated, American hard rock. 

American Motherload: Ben Loop - vocals and acoustic guitar; Ray Rokicki - Lead Guitar; Aaron Esquitin - Drums; Geoff Jania -  Bass Guitar; Gary Kessler - Keys.

For more information, check out http://www.americanmotherload.com


Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.


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Copyright ? 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 08 Apr 2024 14:19:58 -0400.