It is always fun to review a Bullet album not only because I love their music, but also mostly for the references they bring. By reference, I mean a strong taste of AC/DC with Bon Scott and 1980s Accept with Udo Dirscksneider. By the way, a fun fact, it was listening to Bullet that I understand how AC/DC were important to Accept because the band made that transition from an AC/DC drenched band – to say the least – to an Accept themed band – to say the least as well. I cannot help it, but I have to say vocalist Dag “Hell” Hofer’s tone of voice is very, but very near Udo’s. Ok, Bullet’s music is predictable or, in very kind words, “Kickstarter” is the album Accept would love to have recorded. And do you want to know the most surprising thing? I love the band mostly because of this.
Title track “Kickstarter“ kickstarts the album depicting one of the most important features of Metal music’s iconography; the motorcicle. It is impossible not to love a band that homages the motorcicle. No, no, it is impossible. “Kickstarter‘s” main guitar riff is one of the most simple, but effective main guitar riffs I have ever listened here. The one that glues into the fan’s mind. By the way, the following track “Caught In The Action” has the same feature. One of Bullet’s most wanted qualities is to write singalong and gluey songs, I have to say. “Kickstarter” is an album to headbang and singalong all the time. Another musical signature of the band is the way the guitar fill in all the spaces in the songs. There are guitars everywhere in each music of the album. Pay close attention to the guitar leads in “Open Fire.” Bullet are a band that do not hide their passion. Then comes “Keep Rolling“ a track that reminds the AC/DC “Back in Black” era roots of the band. A heavy, very heavy song where vocalist Dag “Hell” Hofer’s sings his lungs out. And there goes the album.
No, “Kickstarter” is not the most original album ever. No, “Kickstarter” is not going to save Metal music. But you will have lots of fun listening to the album just because. Some would say Bullet are a tribute band, but want to know what? Who cares.
P.S. – There is another band that always come to mind when I am reviewing Bullet: Krokus. If know Krokus, you know the reason.
Bullet “Kickstarter” will be released on January 09th via Steamhammer/SPV.
Track Listing:
- Kickstarter
- Caught In The Action
- Open Fire
- Keep Rolling
- Hit The Road
- Avenger
- Chained By Metal
- Spitfire
- Full Throttle
- Strike At Night
- Night Falls Down
Watch “Kickstarter” official video here:
I’m just a lucky guy who has chosen metal to live with for a long time. Metal changed my life for good. It made me more confident and stronger. Metalheads are naturally far away from the mass mediocrity and don’t accept impostures from anybody else. Metal is more than music, it’s a life changing oportunity!