WARRIOR SOUL - ROCK N ROLL DISEASE
Released 7th June 2019
Review by; DeeDee
​
Released last month the new Warrior Soul album, cannot go unmentioned. One band that stands out from the crowd and have no scruples is Kory Clarke and this present line up. A mix of Rock and Punk, with no holds barred, this is not for the fainthearted.
​
‘Up The Dose’ opens the proceedings, what a motherf**ker of a track, hard and heavy hitting with an almighty riff. Kory Clarke’s vocals are scratchy NYC drawls, it’s 21st Century, Sex Pistols Punk, what an introduction. In the same vein as the previous album ‘Back On The Lash’, it is stripped back, basic angry rock and roll. But Kory and crew have this ability to turn a simple song into an infusion, an art not everyone can achieve. The title track ‘Rock N Roll Disease’ is one hell of an infection, again it is Sleazy/Punk with the most captivating riff, that goes all the way through to the end. If you are in the mood for some foot stomping, head banging and sheer delirium, look no further. The rock and roll continues with ‘Off My Face’, the bass is played low and takes the limelight, fast Acid Punk as Clarke likes to describe Warrior Souls approach. Uncle Lemmy would have been delighted to duet on this one, it’s straight up Motorheads alley. I adore these song titles, next is ‘Meltdown’ pulverising shredding from the first note, destructive and unrelenting, there is no respite. Anti everything it’s brutal and ugly.
4 tracks down and 4 to go, we get to ’Rock On’ which rolls a bit slower as it swaggers along, Korys vocals scream and there’s more intersecting guitar. ‘War Ride Children’ has another set of messy riffs. A heavy track with Kory in his element again, the vocals are paramount on this one. ‘Going Mental’ sounds like an early AC/DC rocker, repeating lines that make it a steady one to sing along to, ‘Everyones Gone, Everyones Gone, Everyones Gone Mental’. Ending in clashing guitars and heavy drums, it’s a decent tune that sticks. ‘After The Show’ takes on a more Pistols direction of voicing angry punk with plenty of strumming guitars.
​
I have always been a keen supporter of Warrior Soul, right back to 1987 and the original incarnation. They have never really fitted in any of the boxes, that define a rock band and I think that is one of the main attractions. Kory Clarke has a unique style and ok, it might take some getting into, but once there, you’re hooked for life. I think Rock N Roll Disease is a masterful follow up to Back On The Lash, the writing makes it a brilliant album. My only tiny gripe is the track order, the first 4 numbers are more energetic than the last 4, so mixing them up may have seen a better result. Other than that, yes Kory you have my vote.
4/5
Highlights - Up The Dose, Off My Face, Meltdown
​
Band Members;
Kory Clarke - Vocals
Adam Arling - Guitar
Dennis Post - Guitar
Christian Kimmett - Bass
Ivan Tamargo - Drums
Michael Branagh - Drums
​