Nobody expects Deicide to stop singing about Satan. Nobody expects Sabaton to stop writing songs about war, tanks and shooting stuff. And, while we’re at it, hasn't Bruce Springsteen been banging on about the American dream for, like, 40 years? So please, for the love of all that is unholy, stop the incessant bitching about Steel Panther.
They’re not for everyone. It’s cool, we understand that you don't find it funny. With song titles like Gang Bang At The Old Folks Home and Fucking My Heart In The Ass, Steel Panther are not going to appeal to metal fans who exclusively listen to Rush and Dream Theater.
But, the thing to understand about Steel Panther is that, like any other band, they play music. Despite just about every recent review of this band focusing exclusively on the lyrics, they have always written cracking tunes and on 'All You Can Eat', their third outing, it's no different.
Kicking things off with a quasi-serious flurry of Spanish guitars, the anthemic bombast of Pussywhipped assures the listener that the Panther are, in fact, superb musicians.
Riding a familiar wave of ‘80s-inspired pomposity, the song plays up to expectations and then, out of nowhere, a spine-smashingly heavy mid-section lays waste to unprepared ears. To call this a musical evolution or progression would be a bit generous, but it proves that the band aren't afraid to paddle in other areas of the metal pool.
There are the usual singalongs and meaty riffs plastered across 'All You Can Eat' and Party Like Tomorrow Is The End Of The World is already a live favourite. If I Was The King is a complete sleaze-fest, while The Burden Of Being Wonderful is the album’s ballad. It doesn’t reach the same level as Community Property, from the band's first LP, 'Feel The Steel', but it's still a wonderfully narcissistic, catchy-as-crabs account of why lead singer Michael Starr is perfect.
Again, the lyrical content might be a bit much for some, especially album closer She's On The Rag, which goes a tad too far, even for Steel Panther. With that said, though, it's still pretty funny. If you've never approved of the Panther's piss-taking, then this isn't gonna change your mind. All this album does is cement the band's status within the metal community - they play hard, they play heavy. Plain and simple.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
