THE RODS
"Wild Dogs Unchained"
(Massacre Records; 2025)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
I always hesitate to mention how long a veteran band has been around because I'm afraid that readers will dismiss the music because a bunch of "old guys" are playing it. That's pure and total bullshit, of course. Those "old guys" are still making some of the best hard rock/heavy metal out there, but I still worry about it.
But, sometimes, you've got to pay tribute to a band and their longevity. There's a reason that bands like The Rolling Stones, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, Metallica, etc. are still out there. Because they're still kicking ass and taking names. And so are The Rods, whose first album came out in 1979 and whose new album, "Wild Dogs Unchained" is one of my favorite albums of the year.
"Wild Dogs Unchained" is a solid, clean, ass-kicking collection of ten hard rock tracks with driving guitar, a thunderous rhythm section, clean, smooth vocals and melodies that will have you pumping your fist in the air. It's old school hard rock/metal that's easy to get into the very first time you listen through and will leave you wanting to listen again the moment you're finished.
Out of the ten tracks here, there's not a dud to be found. My favorites were the anthemic "Rock and Roll Fever," the crushing drive of "Make Me a Believer," and the epic title track. There's also the tricky "Tears for the Innocent" which starts out as a slow, gentle ballady-type tune but, at the 90-second mark, explodes into something more.
So, if you're looking for some classic hard rock/metal in the vein of Saxon, Anvil and the like, check out The Rods' "Wild Dogs Unchained." I don't think you'll be disappointed.
For more information, check out https://therods.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 © 2025 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
