STEEL RHINO – Steel Rhino

7.8/10

STEEL RHINO - Steel Rhino - 7.8/10

7.8/10

Summary

GMR Music Group
Release date: August 20, 2021

[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]

10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.

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The Backstory

Steel Rhino is the solo band of Bai Bang drummer Mikael Rosengren. Together with current Firewind vocalist Herbie Langhans (ex-Voodoo Circle), the group is unleashing their debut self-titled album. It’s described as a mix between American and European Hard Rock and Metal.

The Album

A galloping drum beat and simple guitar riff lead the charge on the appropriately titled opening song “Rhino Attack.” Vocalist Herbie Langhans’ delivery is equal parts melodic and edgy. “Lovin’ Easy” has a chorus section that is sure to get stuck in your head. If you grew up with late ’70s and ’80s Metal in your arsenal, then you surely remember that a lot of bands had a song named after them. Steel Rhino is no different with the hard-charger “Steel Rhino.” Two songs with ‘rhino’ in the title on the same album though?

It’s the Mikael Rosengren drum show on “Bells of Midnight.” Langhans is reminiscent of a young Udo Dirkschneider here. “Fire and Ice” has a bit of a blues swagger to it, but still maintains it Heavy Metal balls. “Sands of Time” has a head-bobbing, fist-pumping beat to it. “Boom Boom” is a rally cry for changing the injustices in the world today. “New Tomorrow” pays homage to early Gamma Ray albums.

The Verdict

On their debut album, Steel Rhino proves you don’t need to be complicated to make a good old-school inspired Heavy Metal album. Simple beats, simple riffs, and catchy choruses will always trump crazy time signatures and intricate guitar scale runs. Steel Rhino’s debut is a fun Metal ride.

Tracklist

Rhino Attack
Arrival
Lovin Easy
Steel Rhino
Bells of Midnight
Fire and Ice
Ghost From the Past
Sands of Time
Life We Choose
Boom Boom
New Tomorrow

Steel Rhino is

Herbie Langhans – Vocals
Mikael Rosengren – Drums
Pilip Vihelmsson – Guitars, Bass

Author

George Dionne

George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015. Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.
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