This past January, I had the good fortune to discover a hot new band from the Washington D.C. area. "Shokkher" put on an awesome live show that left a big impression on me. I've eagerly awaited the release of their first album and finally the wait is over! "Always Hungry" is available now on iTunes and true collectors (like me) will be able to get a physical album soon, from an Amazon store. The Shokkher crew was kind enough to send a copy my way to review.

   Shokkher's "Always Hungry" is a testosterone fueled hard rock / heavy metal triumph of a debut. Shokkher harkens back to the glam bands of the 80's, but in a good way. From Dan Johnston's in your face gritty vocal style to Niels Vilhelmsen's searing guitar solos. You won't find any high-brow or political lyrics with songs like "Love Rokket" and "Afterburner', just fast, fun and furious musical mayhem! There's a lot of 80's influence here. The lyrics, very 80's hair metal. The music, power metal with improvements. And there's plenty of classic, good old New Wave of British Heavy Metal sound here, as well. The members are high caliber musicians who churn out a great sound together.

   The album opens with the title track "Always Hungry", perhaps a nod to Twisted Sister's "Stay Hungry" album? Always Hungry starts the album out right. Fast and heavy! "Like a wolf pack running" as Dan grunts out the opening lyrics. After seeing them live, I had hoped Shokkher could capture some of the electrifying vibe they put out in person, on the album (not something easily done). I'm happy to say, they did it.

   One of my favorites, the second track "Burn Her Out" is an instant classic from the title refrain to the catchy guitar hook. There's some impressive stuff going on in the rhythm section too (there's still only one drummer right?!). The album rocks on, there's not a bad song in the bunch. There's even a short instrumental. And who is this sexy sounding siren of a guest vocalist on "Wanna Get Shokked", "Jade F.? What a voice! Shokk me baby!

   This is definitely an album to add to your collection. Check out their website at www.myspace.com/shokkher and see them live, if you can.

                                       Shokk On!

                                                           ------Karl