[ALBUM REVIEW] The Strange Case Of… – Halestorm (2012)

Halestorm
The Strange Case Of
Atlantic Records
Released 4/10/12
★★★★★ (5/5)

“The Strange Case Of…” is the highly anticipated second album from Pennsylvania rock quartet, Halestorm. After touring extensively for their critically acclaimed 2009  self-titled debut, Halestorm took parts of 2010 and the majority of 2011 to work on the follow up. For “The Strange Case Of…”, Halestorm once again called upon producer Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Papa Roach, Three Days Grace) to help produce the album. As a huge fan of their self titled debut album, as well as of their live show, Halestorm have shown their evolution as musicians into “The Strange Case Of…”. After hearing the EP “Hello It’s Mz.Hyde” (which had four tracks from “The Strange Case Of…”), it was a precursor to the eye of the storm that is the full album, pun intended.

   The album begins with a bang with the lead single “Love Bites (So Do I)” and to be quite honest, it’s refreshing to hear a song that sounds like a true rock ‘n roll tune. A musical assault that continues into the second track “Mz.Hyde”, indeed Lzzy Hale puts her own spin on the concept of having two split personalities like Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde which continues on through the rest of the album. With hard hitting songs that showcase the band’s ferocious personality in songs such as “Freak Like Me”, “You Call Me A Bitch Like It’s a Bad Thing”, and “Daughters Of Darkness”. While other songs that show a different perspective of the band in “Beautiful With You”, “In Your Room”, and “Here’s To Us”.

   In essence, the album as a whole is a two sided coin, just like Dr.Jekyll & Mr.Hyde. Perfectly blending hard rock tunes with soft melodic ballads, the album truly has something for everyone, it’s safe to say that if you enjoyed Halestorm’s self titled album, you will love “The Strange Case Of…” even more. Halestorm will embark on a US tour later this week opening on “The Mass Chaos Tour” with Staind & Godsmack, and then will head across the pond for the summer European festivals. If Halestorm will be in your area in the near future, do yourself a favor and make it a point to go as their live show is extremely remarkable.

Love Bites (So Do I) Official Music Video

Halestorm is:
Lzzy Hale : Guitar/Vocals
Joe Hottinger : Lead Guitar
Joshua Smith : Bass
Arejay Hale : Drums

For updates from Halestorm visit their official website.
http://www.halestormrocks.com/