When one chapter closes, another one opens… life is like that, and we should never be sad about something that has ended cuz something new is on the way, even if it takes a while. This was the case with legendary guitarist Mick Mars, who stepped away from touring with Mötley Crüe (and finally got out) to pursue his own solo music career. Mick was smart enough to enlist some of the best musicians out there, like Paul Taylor (Winger, ex-Alice Cooper) on keys & guitar, the amazing vocalist Jacob Bunton (Lynam, Mars Electric, Gus G.), Ray Luzier (Korn) on drums, Chris Collier on bass, and singer Brion Gamboa, who sings only on “Killing Breed” and “Undone”.
Musically, Mars does not play it safe, presenting riff-based modern hard rock with various post-grunge and alternative influences. I know that the Mötley Crüe devotees will be surprised (some nicely, others not) by the musical direction of Mick’s solo album, but I think it was a very bold idea to do what he felt was right at the time instead of recycling himself. The production is modern, dynamic, and punchy. The album was mixed and mastered by Chris Collier (Flotsam and Jetsam, Riot V, Prong, Last in Line, etc.) and produced by the famed producer Michael Wagener (Metallica, Mötley Crüe, W.A.S.P., Accept, Poison, Keel, Alice Cooper, Megadeth, Ozzy Osbourne, Dokken, etc.).
“The Other Side of Mars” is an album that showcases Mars’ artistry, revealing a side of him that may have been overshadowed by the bombast of Mötley Crüe! The solo album shows that the artist is resilient and constantly evolving, challenging himself!
Songs such as “Loyal to the Lie”, “Killing Breed”, “Right Side of Wrong”, “Ready to Roll”, “Undone”, and “Ain’t Going Back” will delight both old and new rockers alike. The two ballads “Alone” and “Memories” will touch anyone who likes catchy hooks with atmospheric passages. The closer “LA Noir” is an instrumental track that shows Mick’s love for blues rock music. Some might find it a bit strange, but you gotta give it to Mick for closing the album the way he wanted to.
“The Other Side of Mars” showcases Mick’s other musical side, and I must say that the title fits the music of the album perfectly. This is indeed a different, modern, and heavier side of Mick that proves he still has a lot to offer in rock music. Let’s hope that Mick will continue on this new path together with his skilled bandmates to bring us even more great albums in the future.
This is an album that not only stands on its own but also contributes to the legacy of one of rock’s most influential guitarists. I really think any rocker out there should listen to it…
