The Bastard Sons are back with another great album, We’re The Bastards.

Phil Campbell is a veteran metal guitarist I have always admired. I can think back to seeing him so many times with Motörhead and every performance had a singular brilliance. After Lemmy died and that iconic band was no more, Campbell formed The Bastard Sons. Their first release was an EP in 2016, followed by the full-length The Age of Absurdity two years later.The music is solid hard rock and heavy metal – guitar-driven goodness that salves the wounds of the modern world. I have been counting down the days to the new album because the ones that came before were so excellent.

“We’re The Bastards” is the opener and it is the right foot forward – it is an anthem about heavy music and the intentions of the band, which are uncomplicated: playing heavy music. “Son Of A Gun” follows and it is a high speed banger. The story rolls on in “Promises Are Poison,” where a more serious tone is established. What is constant throughout are the harrowing riffs, the commanding percussion, and Phil Campbell’s impeccable guitar work. Neil Starr has the perfect voice for this music, tying it all together.

There are so many great songs on this album it hardly makes any sense to separate them out. The guitar in “Animals” is monstrous, but it is on “Keep Your Jacket On” too. The singles are all cracking, and the longer pieces like “Desert Song” and “Waves” are composed in uncompromising balance. This music sounds like it was designed to be performed live – when you listen to the songs you can’t help but visualize the band on stage belting them out. This one is a keeper.

Nuclear Blast has many versions and bundles for you buying enticement. The limited digipack has four live tracks not on the regular CD, so that is something to consider if you are into the physicals. Whichever way you go, you get to hear the music and that’s the winner. Recommended.

Link.

Band website, http://www.philcampbell.net/