Album review: DEE SNIDER – We Are The Ones

earMUSIC [Release date 21.10.16]

With Twisted Sister all but done now, Dee Snider is forging ahead with his solo career and this is only his third solo outing. His last solo effort was 2012′s ‘Dee Does Broadway’ and lets face it he has the voice and character for that style of singing. On this album he hooks-up with composer/arranger Damon Ranger, who has worked on the soundtrack to ‘Life Of Pi’ and with artists like Kayne West.

In a recent interview with ‘Classic Rock’ magazine he said heavy metal fans won’t like this album. True if you are expecting Twisted Sister then yes this is not for you but then it is a solo album and a new beginning. That said he revisits the Twisted Sister ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ with just his voice backed by a piano. It actually sounds as powerful as the full band version.

The cinematic side of Dee and Damon comes through on ‘Superhero’ which given its big musical backing is destined for a film soundtrack. ‘Rule The World’ complete with Imagine Dragons approved backing vocals, has been released as the lead song and its uplifting message makes it perfect for airplay and live arenas. Those Imagine Dragons vocals pop-up again on ‘Believe’ whilst close your eyes when listening to ‘Crazy For Nothing’ and you’d swear it was the Foo Fighters. A real kick ass song.

The heaviest it gets is the no holds barred cover of Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Head Like A Hole’. As you’d expect Dee Snider adds his own distinctive touch to this one. ‘Close To You’ starts slow (and the vocal is uncannily like Jon Bon Jovi!) before becoming a relentless rocker.

‘Over Again’ is a song I can’t stop playing and one of the songs of the year for me. Like Dee Snider fronting the Wildhearts – this is a damn fine piece music. Another one that you can imagine going down well in a live setting.

Modern rock from Mr Snider and all the better for it as he keeps the best things from his past – his vocal power, love of a good riff – and adds in modern influences from bands like the Foo Fighters and Imagine Dragons. Enjoyable from start to finish, crank it up! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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