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In the very first listening of Helldorados energy filled debut album, I got a old punk rock feeling in several of the opening tunes, but suddenly they choose to put in a melodic ballad in 'Changes'. Whhoooap! On the next following tracks the raw, straight forward rock songs are back again with easy and basic choruses like for instance 'Shout'.

The Stuttgart based group is fighting to get a clear identity and I have a hard time putting a label on their rock style. 'Hunter' is one of the better melodic hard rock songs on the album with a great guitar solo in the middle. 'Double Dealer' is a metal track in an early 80's tempo. Without any frills or difficult instrumental excesses they plow through the song. The catchy song 'Gone' let the gentle side of the band shine through and it's hard to dislike this tune. 'Torture' is a pure metal song in Pantera style with more of Steve's brilliant string bending.

It's hard to get tired of the album because it twists and turns between the genres. If I should make a musical cake it would be with some GnR, Ramones, Pantera, AC/DC, Motley Crue and on the top a big dose of modern hard rocking sleaze powder. I can imagine that they are better act on a stage. The energetic party rock songs should be something to make the crowds get wild.

I like the vocalist Pierre, who has a really good rock 'n' roll voice and the guitarist Steve, who lifts several of the so-so tracks from the skip button on my Ipod. The other two members in Helldorados are Gunnar on the bass and Chis on the drums.

Overall this will not be a classic or earth-shaking album that will be so high on my top list of 2012 at the end of the year, but if you like non-technical rock/metal in party pace, this coould be a band for you to discover this summer.

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