Halestorm | Nicky Carrall Photography

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First up on the track list is ‘Black Vultures,’ Opening up the album with some electronic music before Lzzy’s iconic vocals come in repeating “Black vultures circling the,” the lyric gradually rising in pitch. This creates an exciting tension that prepares all listeners for the drop, which introduces the band playing in the classic Halestorm style.

The lyrics to ‘Black Vultures’ are empowering and intriguing, describing the singer as someone who refuses to give up and will keep surviving, not giving the vultures the satisfaction of watching them give up. I believe rock is all about empowerment and owning who you are so between the lyrics and Lzzy’s powerful vocals, Halestorm has really knocked this out of the park.

Following on from the idea of owning one’s individuality and identity, the next song in the album is ‘Skulls.’ The rhythm of this song is very staccato and punchy which reminds me of soldiers marching is a stark contrast to the lyrics of the song, my favourite being from the chorus “I won’t shut my mouth and take it. God, no, I won’t be another empty skull.” 

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Halestorm

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‘Uncomfortable’ and ‘Buzz’ are the next songs in the album ‘Vicious’. ‘Uncomfortable,’ the first song to be released ahead of the album on the same day of the announcement, reminds me a lot of ‘Love Bites (But So Do I)’ from Halestorm’s 2012 album ‘The Strange Case Of…’  and Buzz is similar to ‘I Like It Heavy’ from ‘This Wild Life (2014)’ in terms of their melodies and rhythms. When it comes to Halestorm, you can always tell their music comes from them because of their distinct style and notable musical characteristics!

Now if you’re in a sensual mood, this next song is perfect for setting the vibe. ‘Do Not Disturb’ is a song all about embracing sexuality and sexual desires. Just take a look at the lyrics and you’ll see what I mean! The song is slower than the previous three in the album with its swaying rhythms in the melody and the instrumental. It’s a little bit naughty but i think it spices up the album!

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Halestorm

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‘Conflicted’ is more of an acoustic song with its lyric meaning following on from ‘Do Not Disturb’ with sensual and sexual connotations. What I love about this song is the contrast between the verses and chorus. The verses are more acoustic and relaxed with vocals and acoustic guitar  while the choruses see the full band come in with Lzzy’s vocals, as if the sexual tension implied in the lyrics has become too intense to handle.

The next song, ‘Killing Ourselves To Live’ is quite interesting as it reminds me very much of a song that would work well in a movie soundtrack, surrounding a protagonist who is giving their everything to survive in a cruel and harsh world. The guitar solo in the break by lead guitarist Joe Hottinger is definitely one to be awed at (and head-banged to!).

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Halestorm | Photo Credits: Jamie Taylor

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“Now because of you I’ve got a heart of Novocaine”

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The second acoustic song of the album is ‘Heart Of Novocaine.’Lzzy Hale’s vocals perfectly convey the raw emotions of hurt, pain and strength contained in the lyrics. This is the main reasons why I love Halestorm’s acoustic songs, everything is stripped back and you can really focus on the lyrics and their meaning.

Bassist Josh Smith’s thundering bass line paired with the powerful drums by Arejay Hale in ‘Painkiller’ is what automatically drew me into this song. The lyrics describe being addicted to a person and how they make you feel, like their love is a painkiller that makes you feel good.

In true Halestorm fashion, ‘White Dress’ discusses not being a traditional, cookie cutter individual, but being your own distinct person (even if it goes against what people want). Owning who you are is an important message that spans across songs from all of Halestorm’s albums.

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Halestorm

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Surprisingly, the second last song on the album is the title song for the album, ‘Vicious.‘ I was really anticipating this song because of all the hype I’ve seen on Lzzy Hale’s Instagram account since the album announcement, and it’s safe to say, it didn’t let me down one bit. The song is punchy and full of power, with the main lyric “what doesn’t kill me makes me vicious” a spin on the typical “what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” This is definitely a feel good song with that little Halestorm edge to it which I love!

Lucky last is actually a third acoustic song titled ‘The Silence,’ focusing on how someone’s presence can still be felt when they’re gone and there’s only silence. This song has a very ‘Here’s to Us’ vibe when I listen to it because I don’t get a negative, sad feeling from the lyrics, but rather a reminiscing one. The acapella section where Lzzy sings “I will feel you, I will see you” is so beautiful and delicate yet so powerful I always get so amazed by her voice, it gives me goosebumps!

All in all, this record is very ‘Halestorm‘ with their musical styles and their lyrical meanings are very true to who they are and what they believe in as a band. I’m glad they haven’t strayed from this because it’s these things that make the band unique within their genre, no one else out there sounds like Halestorm besides Halestorm. Now please excuse me while I listen to this album on repeat while I wait for the next album to drop!

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Check out a recent interview with
JOSH SMITH
HERE

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@ ONEBIGLINK

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