SKID ROW – The Gang’s All Here

New Jersey’s Hard Rock veterans’ Skid Row is back with its sixth full-length release, The Gang’s All Here. The ten-song album released on earMUSIC Records has a runtime of 41 minutes and is produced by Nick Raskulinecz who has produced for acts such as Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, and Evanescence. The lineup for The Gang’s All Here is founding members Dave “The Snake” Sabo (guitar) and Rachel Bolan (bass), longtime member Scotti Hill (guitar), Rob Hammersmith (drums), and new vocalist Erik Grönwall.

Brief Bio on Erik

Erik Grönwall joined Skid Row in March of 2022, replacing ZP Theart. Erik Grönwall was the vocalist of Swedish Rockers H.E.A.T. from 2012 through 2020 releasing four albums. In 2009, Grönwall was a participant and winner of the reality show, Sweden Idol 2009. Ironically, Grönwall performed Skid Row’s classic track “18 and Life” among other classic Rock / Metal songs from Kiss, Iron Maiden, and Queen to win Swedish Idol 2009.

The Gang’s All Here

Scotti Hill and Dave “The Snake” Sabo deliver their trademark of hard pounding, yet catchy riffs throughout The Gang’s All Here. The opening track, “Hell or Highwater,” opens with a midtempo groove and heavy chunky riffs from Sabo and Hill. “The Gang’s All Here” makes a throwback reference to “Tricky Little Vicky” (from “Rattlesnake Shake”) with a really catchy chorus. Erik Grönwall does a good job of delivering strong vocals and can hit the high notes when needed. Hammersmith and Bolan balance out the backbone of this album with a solid performance throughout with pounding midtempo grooves. Rachel Bolan lays down a stellar bass line on “Time Bomb” with a catchy chorus. The production is very clean and crisp.

Verdict

Skid Row isn’t pushing any boundaries with The Gang’s All Here. Lyrically the album is too full of cliches. “Time Bomb” has a really good melody in the chorus but is ruined with the constant “TICK, TICK, TICK, TICK, TICK….. etc. The self-empowerment theme in the song “Resurrected” is often associated with teenage angst, not adult men. “Nowhere Fast” has an aggressive riff with a good melodic chorus. This song can do without the “Woah!” chants in the chorus as this does not sound like typical Skid Row.

Musically, The Gang’s All Here shows that these Jersey Boys can still rock with the best of them and Grönwall is more than capable with the range that he brings to the group. Standout songs on this album include “The Gang’s All Here,” and “October’s Song.” “The Gang’s All Here”, has a powerful bassline and riff to open the song and pump the listener up. “October’s Song” takes a darker tone and feel. Grönwall’s vocals really shine on this song.

Final Thoughts

The Gang’s All Here shows that the core of Skid Row still has the chops to deliver heavy riffs, and catchy melodies, and hit you in the face with plenty of attitude. Erik Grönwall can also bring the vocal prowess that has been missing over the last few releases. Unfortunately on this release, there are more misses than hits and is sacked for too many poorly written songs. However, Skid Row’s future looks extremely promising with Grönwall fronting the band.

Tracklisting

1. Hell or Highwater
2. The Gang’s All Here
3. Not Dead Yet
4. Time Bomb
5. Resurrected
6. Nowhere Fast
7. When the Lights Come On
8. Tear It Down
9. October’s Song
10. World On Fire

Album Lineup

Erik Grönwall – Vocals
Dave “The Snake” Sabo – Guitars
Scotti Hill – Guitars
Rachel Bolan – Bass
Rob Hammersmith – Drums