Holy hell...if you were at all remotely impressed by Texas act Scorpion Child's debut album a few years ago, I can safely tell you that they've completely knocked it out of the park on this sophomore release for Nuclear Blast Records, titled Acid Roulette. Confident, full of poise, power, and determination, the band sound totally ready to take on all comers here with Acid Roulette, once again blending their '70s and '80s influences and creating new music that seriously kicks ass but with that slight retro vibe.
Comprised of vocalist Aryn Jonathan Black, guitarist Christopher Jay Cowart, Jon Rice on drums, bassist Alec Padron, and keyboard player John Vincent, Scorpion Child are a band who are completely firing on all cylinders with this latest release. The shadow of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and perhaps a touch of Skid Row looms on many tracks here, the title cut a perfect example as it oozes heavy rock, blues, and psychedelia, Black's soaring vocals hinting at Robert Plant, Sebastian Bach, and Robin McCauley. "She Sings, I Kill", "Reaper's Danse", and "My Woman in Black" deliver crushing riffs, a nice touch of Hammond organ, and of course those powerful vocals, as you immediately notice how much heavier this album is compared to their fine debut. "Winter Side of Deranged" rocks quite hard as well, with grooves to die for, while "Twilight Coven" comes across like the bastard child of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath with its lumbering riffs and battling Hammond organ. Their bluesy side comes out on "Blind Man's Shine", while the shuffling rhythms and soaring hooks of "Moon Tension" make for a can't miss tune that combines the best of '70s and '80s hard rock. It's back to raging Purple influenced heavy rock on the ass kicking "Tower Grove", and Vincent's snarling Hammond again steals the show on the crushing "I Might Be Your Man", a pummeling statement that shows every bit of what this band have to offer.
Without a doubt, Acid Roulette is not only a completely stellar heavy rock experience, but in some ways a HUGE surprise at just how good it is. Scorpion Child have announced here that they are ready to play with the big boys, and this album is easily one of 2016's highlights so far. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1. She Sings, I Kill
2. Reaper's Danse
3. My Woman In Black
4. Acid Roulette
5. Winter Side Of Deranged
6. Séance
7. Twilight Coven
8. Survives
9. Blind Man's Shine
10. Moon Tension
11. Tower Grove
12. I Might Be Your Man
13. Addictions
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