Smoking Snakes from Gothenburg, Sweden, have finally released their debut full-length album, “Danger Zone”, which features 11 tracks and lasts about 38 minutes. The band consists of Brett Martin on vocals and rhythm guitar, Andy Delarge on bass and backing vocals, Stan Ricci on drums and backing vocals, and Leo Razor on lead guitar and backing vocals.
Musically, the band is definitely influenced by the hair metal, sleaze/glam metal, and hard rock of the 80s and 90s. Some 00s influences from bands, especially those from their homeland, can be found as well. I’m gonna write down a few band names to give you a better hint… Crashdïet, Loud ‘N’ Nasty, Danger, Mötley Crüe, Dokken, and WASP (especially on the vocals). I do like the way they combine the heavy riffs, the raspy vocals, and the nice melodies. They do it in a way that feels like they have been on the scene for years. The production is dynamic and punchy, with a contemporary edge. The album was recorded at Top Floor Studios, and it was produced by renowned Jakob Herrmann (Anthrax, Europe, Amaranthe, Hardcore Superstar, etc.).
“Danger Zone” is a hard rock & roll party album! Songs like “Angels Calling” and “Sole Survivors” are pure adrenaline, while “Run for Your Life”, “Lady Luck”, “There is No Tomorrow” & “Who Am I” have some pure late 80s & early 90s vibes. “Restless & Wild” and “Sorrow, Death and Pain” have an early 00s feel, while the straightforward “Rocking to the Morning Light” closes the album with a rock ‘n’ roll attitude.
Certainly, this album includes all the clichés that we still enjoy from the 80s and 90s, and that ain’t a bad thing at all. The guys are not here to reinvent the wheel or anything, but to honor the golden age of sleaze and glam metal with gusto. “Danger Zone” is a solid debut album that firmly establishes Smoking Snakes as a new band to watch out for in today’s hard rock scene. After all, Smoking Snakes have what it takes to go all the way.
