THE FYREDOGS – Hellfyre Rock N’ Roll

Rock N’ Roll is the king and Punk is its queen. The relationship between those two is not such a hard thing to understand. The two genres in question on display here are not their later versions, which you find today like flies. This review concerns their earlier version of the 70s and 80s, both from Britain and the US.

Here is a question for you: the discussion is about a German band called The Fyredogs, so where is German Punk in all this? Well, besides the old Kraut Rock, these German dudes went for the classic features that the American and the British had to offer. From their simple tunes on their debut Hellfyre Rock N’ Roll, the mixture between the genres is obvious, yet, have no fear, it is quite cool and it’s not like it’s the first time it happens. For elaboration, take the Rocky tunes of Motörhead and insert some of the old American spirit while smothering in some Sex Pistols.

An interesting fact regarding The Fyredogs comes from their frontman. At first listen, without reviewing their bio, a raspy (rather monstrous) voice broke into consciousness. Immediately it was recognized that it was Grave Digger’s frontman, Chris Boltendahl. After further digging on these guys, it seems that this side band of Boltendahl has existed for more than ten years now. It is apparent that what is being heard here cannot be on a Grave Digger album, so why not enjoy both worlds if those are not interfering with each other? Boltendahl did just that thing. After lots of demos and EPs, Hellfyre Rock N’ Roll is the first official, full-length presentation from the band.

Hellfyre Rock N’ Roll is not about heaviness or musical power, it’s about good times actually. As some opinions say that Punk or Rock N’ Roll are rather “happy” fundamentals, they might be right when it concerns this release. Although some of the subjects will appear serious, it’s nothing of a sort. The Fyredogs are playing it cool and to the point in order to change your drinking habits.

When it came to the album’s music, a rather different estimation came to mind. Largely, this is simple made music by a bunch of guys who wanted to have fun. They kept it simple, armed with old-fashioned influences and straightforwardness. The main issues of the album concern a bit with the lack of originality, or at least a try, sort of a repeating pattern while putting good and lesser tunes aside.

First, Boltendahl’s voice on this kind of band came slightly as a shock at first, however, if Lemmy is for Motörhead (although it is Metal), so is Ripper Boltendahl for this band. More than that, it is no problem at all, it is even refreshing. On the other hand, Boltendahl is not responsible for the entire tunes. His voice is a winning chip for sure, yet some of the music around him, besides the solos and lead guitar flicks, hold these guys back in a way. Using the known Punk and Rock N’ Roll riffage is good on the first tracks; “Hell Ridin’”, “66 Pounds”, “Down By Law” and the inspiring “Brother”. The latter sounds almost the same as Danzig’s classic tune, “Mother”. Nevertheless, this kind of rhythmic riffage starts to sore on the continuing tunes. Although some of them are quite solid as “Bloodsucker”, “Sweet Hell Machine” and “Hero Of The Day”, it is not clicking as the first half of the album. The one thing that really helped those second half songs is the lead guitar. With vintage solos and lead brakes, several of the songs were practically saved by the solos.

The coming of Hellfyre Rock N” Roll” is a very solid one. Boltendahl and his mates made something worth listening to. Maybe it is a slight vacation from heavier stuff into something more invigorating. Nevertheless, Punk drew the line of more than a handful of tracks over here, particularly when it came to the riffages. Punk will be Punk and it is well known for its anti-like creativeness. However, with Rock N’ Roll on the side, there is other Rockin’ stuff to enjoy.