AC Angry
Black Denim

February 2014
Released: 2013, Dust On The Tracks Records
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Metal-Rules.com UK Team

First impressions kind of go a little like this "YAY another rock album which is jam packed full of clichés", and on the hole, that's pretty much the case, so forgive the sarcasm. That being said, the sleaziness of Black Denim is somewhat infectious, and the balls to the wall attitude is just what you need in a world of unhealthy whiskey consumption, tight jeans and fast women.



The album starts with BOOZE HORSE, and like a right hook from Mike Tyson, it knocks you down with a sack load of aggression and angst, only if Tyson had the face of Dave Wyndorf of course, as it just reeks of Monster Magnet, OK, bad analogy, but you get the idea. GOOD TO BE BAD is the other stand out track, it's the epitome of sleaze, especially that chorus riff (If you've listened to the song, you'll know exactly what I mean), but there's still that "they're trying too hard to be Monster Magnet" feel to it, which sours the album for me a little.



It's a shame the rest of the album doesn't live up to the two songs mentioned before, as nothing particularly stands out, I wasn't particularly left in awe by anything if I'm honest, I think perhaps the album peaked way too early, and the second half is a little too vanilla for my palette, akin to a second rate Viking Skull. As the case with a lot of rock bands though, seeing said songs live may change my perceptions of Black Denim, as I've lost count how many times this has happened, but I guess that'll remain to be seen.



So what you have is yet another hard rock album which doesn't really set itself aside from the rest of the pack, but I guess if this is your thing, then by all means, give it a bash, as it's not bad by any stretch of the imagination. It's just not really mind blowing if this isn't your thing, I will say this though, the artwork is badass, and designed by Jan Meininghaus, he did Bolt Throwers artwork don't you know.



Review by Ryan Spearman

AC Angry
Black Denim

February 2014
Released: 2013, Dust On The Tracks
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Celtic Bob

The debut from AC Angry hits North American shelves on Jan 14th but was released in Europe in November of last year. Does it count as a 2013 release or 2014? Either way it is an excellent album of hard rockin’ old school Metal. This is the style of Metal that spoke to me growing up. It was fun, enjoyable and had no deep meaning to it.



Some may label it as Hard Rock in the same vein as AC/DC or put it in a group alongside other borderline artists that have Metal aspects but not pure 100% Metal. To my ears this qualifies. It kicks ass and has all the criteria of an 80’s Metal band. While it may not be as heavy as the latest Death Angel it’s still heavy. There is a tinge of Motorhead influence in a few places but for the most part AC Angry are bringing the old Hard Rock sound back. This seems to be the trend lately as I have heard other albums that could have easily came out in ’88.



BLACK DENIM is filled with distorted guitars played through Marshall amps. You can visualize these guys playing with beers on top of the stacks, wearing dirty ripped jeans. Real music for the working class Joe. Excellent album that you just have to turn up and crack open a cold one.