RATINGS: A = must own B = buy it C= average D = yawn F = puke

Skid Row - United World Rebellion- Chapter One
www.skidrow.com
 
Rating: B
 
Skid Row, featuring Snake Sabo (guitars), Rachel Bolan (bass), Scotti Hill (guitars), Johnny Solinger (vocals) and Rob Hammersmith (drums), have returned with an EP titled United World Rebellion - Chapter One returning with new music after a seven year recording hiatus. At this point in the game, it appears the band will release several EPs instead of a full studio album. Look for more coming later this year.
 
"The idea really appealed to me," says bassist Rachel Bolan, "Especially with the constantly changing musical climate. I like the idea of a steady flow of new music, as opposed to releasing a full-length album then riding it for the next two years."

"When we put the band back together, we needed to reintroduce Skid Row as relevant without relying too much on past success," explains Bolan. "We sunk our heart and soul into it, letting people know we weren't doing it for lack of nothing better to do."

The EP begins with the bombastic "Kings of Damination." From the opening note, one can't help but reach for the volume control and crank this one up. Massive riffage takes over while the next tune "Lets Go" keeps the crashing and bashing heavy metal thunder going strong.

"This is Killing Me" is a ballad, and the best written tune on the EP. It swoons and sways and then rocks for a while, basically the classic Skid Row softer side of the band. "Get Up" is a thumping and grinding slab of Metal that is dark, brooding and full of angst. The EP ends with "Stitches" which builds from a rumbling bass line into a full fledged hard rocking tune, with just a touch of the band's Punk influence.

While there is no "Youth Gone Wild" or "I'll Remember You" on this one, suffice it to say that United World Rebellion is a welcome return for Skid Row. The band is rocking hard, staying true to who they are and, if the next EP expands these musical ideals, then the best is yet to come.

"I will always be that 16-year-old kid in front of the mirror, pretending to be Ace Frehley or Michael Schenker," admits guitarist Snake Sabo. "It's still about writing a great song with your friend, praying it connects with someone. That has never left me. That willfulness will always exist, and there's so much left to say!"

By Jeb Wright