If you’ve been missing some solid hard rock to punch you in the face and make you headbang, Halestorm has your fix. With the release of their sophomore album, The Strange Case Of…, Halestorm brings a revitalized and addictive sound to the rock scene, something they started establishing with their self-titled debut album in 2009.
Halestorm has a familiar but refreshing melody with guitars that are heavy at the right moments and drums that provide a concrete background. The cherry on top is lead singer Lzzy Hale: a seductive songstress with lambasting vocals that can both reverberate within your soul and push yours balls into your throat.
This brings quite the conundrum in rock. Although women are accepted in the music, there are only a handful of singers who present a tough as nails attitude that stands up against the boys. Hale does that and even sings about it, sometimes with a crass attitude and other times with a salacious grin.
This new album showcases the band and its intricacies beautifully. Starting with the heavy “Love Bites (So Do I),” Halestorm begins the ride with speed and a heart-pounding riff that never releases you until the end. Hale flaunts her talents in the song, boasting a large range and a take-no-shit attitude. The most appetizing part is how her voice can be anything from devilish to sirenic.
The next few songs follow this captivating sound, one of which is my personal favourite, “I Miss the Misery.” If you aren’t singing off-key at the top of your lungs and rocking out while listening to it, something is broken in you.
Following are a few slower songs that let the listener breathe. It might seem surprising but the songs showcase a softer side to the band and a beautiful serenity within the vocals.
The rest of the album is mostly a heavier sound, the gems being the female call to arms “Daughters of Darkness” and the arena-rock anthem “Rock Show.” It all ends on a slower note but one that will undoubtedly be a crowd pleaser (Glee fans should recognize it, having bastardized it with viewer-friendly lyrics and subpar vocals). “Here’s to Us” is the kind of song you sit back to with good friends and a beer in your hand. The lyrics can be crude but enjoyable nonetheless, especially after a difficult day or exam.
The Strange Case Of… is a must have for any rock enthusiast and anybody who needs a new taste, something that isn’t a mollified pop sound with no substance. Women can enjoy it for its empowering female perspective and fantastic sounds while men can enjoy it just as much because the music speaks for itself. Don’t hesitate to see them live either; these songs are 50 times better on stage and their live show will blow you away.