Hollywood rockers Gundriver not only chose a badass name, they have some badass songs to their arsenal. It’s a helluva ride listening to these guys, but worth the sweat and fierce sounds.
“Warrior” has an inspiring, quick changing guitar riffs paired against pelting percussion. At first vocalist Scott Siegel’s voice is a little mismatched – until you realize he’s found that perfect spot between Bon Scott (former ACDC frontman (and one of Siegel’s influences) and Judas Priests’ Rob Halford. This is old-school heavy metal at its best. “Warrior” has the listener chanting and cheering by the end.
What happens throughout the self-titled CD is a collection of slick guitar riffs a la 70s rock, set to a modern tone. The production values and tightness of the music beds are outrageously good.
In “Against the Shadows” the mesmerizing ax shelters the listeners in an eruption of an interesting lyric flow. Siegel’s voice hits the high screeches when he needs to, for dramatics, but as a listener, I was hoping to hear a bit more growl out of him on this track.
“Outta My Head” is an addictive tune and keeps the listener fist pumping with its twitching guitar riffs and solid lyrics. “Reign” and “Under the Rock” are equally fun. “Never Meant to Be” has a bluesy-sway to it. While it slows down the mood a bit, the fever and brash lyrics don’t disappoint. “Never Meant to Be” has a Journey-feel to it.
“Against the Darkness” is a real treat and ignites that grit in vocalist Siegel. It’s like he has a rash that he’s trying to itch out of his throat – but it’s hardcore and I like it. This song toys with the listener a bit and has this give and take flow; the dramatics of Alice Cooper and Judas Priest are crushed in the music bed.
Fans of 80s rock will dig this band. No question. Overall, Gundriver shoots a solid A in its self-titled CD.
