Opinions – On The Prowl

STEEL PANTHER could also be often known as a spoof glam band, however that title would not do them justice. The group bought their begin on the Sundown Strip again within the early 2000s and painstakingly constructed a reputation for themselves taking part in common exhibits on the Viper Room and Key Membership and dealing their very own originals into units of hair metallic hits.

Now, STEEL PANTHER are on their sixth studio album, “On The Prowl”, which is their first to characteristic new bassist Spyder. The album marks the band’s follow-up to 2019’s “Heavy Metallic Guidelines” and presents cheeky, over-the-top comedic glam metallic in PANTHER custom. With tune titles akin to “Pornstar” and “Magical Vagina”, this is not an album to crank across the kiddies. However, then once more, it is STEEL PANTHER: What did you count on?

“On the Prowl” begins with “By no means Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight)”, a full-on ’80s dance tune full with synthesizers and sweeping stadium rock guitars. Suppose STYX or JOURNEY with heavier instrumentation and dirtier vocals. The tune begins the album with a raunchy bang, as vocalist Michael Starr sings about getting fortunate on a Saturday night time and even referencing the band’s former bassist, Lexxi.

“Pals With Advantages” is subsequent, bringing raging guitar licks and upbeat rhythms, ala lead guitarist Satchel and drummer Stix Zadinia, respectively. One of many stronger songs on the set, the refrain for “Pals with Advantages” is massively catchy, with massive hooks and glam-inflected vocals. A spotlight comes a couple of minute and a half in, when Satchel lays down a memorable, shredding guitar solo.

STEEL PANTHER could sound straight out of the ’80s, however they hold issues trendy and even go down the Instagram rabbit gap with “On Your Instagram”. Within the ballad, Starr professes his love for an angel that he discovered on the social community, solely to seek out out she appears to be like method totally different in particular person. He sings of her lovely filters and eager to be with the woman who’s on Instagram versus IRL.

Issues ramp again up with “Put My Cash The place Your Mouth Is”, a jam-y, party-happy tune with one other cool guitar solo. “1987” follows, a reflective tune which sees Starr craving for 1987, questioning why he did not understand he was in his prime then and looking out again on how rock music was on the high of its recreation.

“Teleporter” and “One Pump Chump” add extra open-throttled glam rock to “On the Prowl”, whereas “Pornstar” and “Magical Vagina” assist STEEL PANTHER meet their energy ballad quota. The facility pop-infused “All That And Extra” is the band’s DEF LEPPARD second, whereas the bare-bones “Ain’t Useless But” is their “November Rain”. “Sleeping On The Rollaway” rounds out the set with one other arena-ready pop-metal tune.

STEEL PANTHER by no means take themselves severely, however they do care about their music, and that is clear right here. Diehard followers who love their soiled glam rock will discover lots to get pleasure from right here, and informal listeners passing by way of also needs to recognize the band’s ridiculous humor and sharp songwriting. It is enjoyable, filthy, rowdy: It is STEEL PANTHER.