I’m not sure who was hankering for a new album from Babylon A.D. -- a band that made some noise at the tail end of the hair-metal era with hits like “Bang Go the Bells,” “Hammer Swings Down” and “The Kid Goes Wild” (from RoboCop 2). But here we are...
After 1989’s self-titled debut, this San Francisco Bay-area band released five more studio albums, including 2025’s When The World Stops. This record, featuring three original members (Derek Davis on vocals, and Ron Freschi and John Matthews on guitars) joined by newcomers Dylan Soto on drums and Craig Pepe on bass, proves that some bands can, indeed, age with dignity.
Sure, there are cringy lyrics (“Come on let’s roll!/Come on let’s roll/We got to get to the show/Come on let’s go,” from the tribute to rock gods, “Come On Let’s Roll”), and let's just skip "Oh Suki" altogether. But the title track is catchy as hell and the perfect lead-off single to put Babylon A.D. back on the rock radar. It sets the stage for an album that has a lot to say -- reflecting on failed relationships (“I Don’t Believe In You,” “Torn” and “The Damage Is Done”), lamenting society’s shortcomings (“Toxic Baby”) and glorifying songs that rock our world (“Power of Music”).
Other notable tracks: “Don’t Ask Questions,” during which Davis channels Y&T (another Bay-area band), and “Love Is Cruel,” which emerges as a moving ballad showcasing the band’s tight vocal harmonies and crescendoing with an unexpected and extended piano outro.
Babylon A.D. may sing about “when the world stops,” but this is a band that doesn't sound done yet.
Track Listing:
1. When The World Stops
2. Come On Let’s Roll
3. Don’t Ask Questions
4. Love Is Cruel
5. Toxic Baby
6. I Don’t Believe In You
7. Power Of Music
8. Torn
9. The Damage Is Done
10. Oh Suki
11. Sadness Madness
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