As a teen from the glam metal and hard rock era, I had my claws ready to attack Lÿnx if they got anything wrong with their album Claws Out. There is nary a hair sprayed out of place nor a streak of black eyeliner smudged as Lÿnx provides an aboslute feral ride through hair metal glory!
In a world where the echoes of the 80s rock scene still reverberate through the hearts of true believers, Claws Out available on May 9th, is a sonic assault that pays homage to the glory days of rock while injecting a modern edge that keeps the adrenaline pumping.
From the first notes of “Hell In High Heels,” it’s clear that Lÿnx is on a mission to ignite the flames of nostalgia while carving out their own place in the pantheon of rock legends. With lyrics that delve into the complexities of desire and longing, this track sets the stage for a wild ride through the highs and lows of the human experience.
“Rock Machine” follows suit, paying tribute to the unsung heroes of the road…the tour vehicles that carry the band from one venue to the next. It’s a raw and unapologetic anthem for the rock n’ roll lifestyle, complete with scorching guitar solos and thunderous drums.
With the title track, “Claws Out,” is where Lÿnx truly sinks their teeth into the listener’s psyche. Inspired by the myths of werewolves, this track channels the primal energy of the beast, with lyrics dripping with bloodthirsty intensity and guitar riffs that cut through the air like razor-sharp claws.
Reminiscent of the glory days of Faster Pussycat and Motley Crue, “Can’t Get Enough” and “Shake It Up” keep the party rolling with their infectious energy and irresistible hooks. These are the quintessential hair metal anthems that demand to be played at maximum volume, with lyrics that celebrate the hedonistic pleasures of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll.
The shining star of Claws Out though is “Band of Brothers”. From its soaring vocals to its heartfelt lyrics and infectious melody, this track captures everything that makes the band a force to be reckoned with. The opening makes me think of Bon Jovi’s “Lay Your Hands on Me” and what I like about this song the most is that while it stays in alignment with Lÿnx’s hard rock sound, it shows the band’s true talent. It strips away the glam and allows each member to shine, especially the vocals of Ja6ur.
The ballad-esque “Nothing But Love” channels the spirit of hit ballads from Skid Row. It’s a tender moment of rest in the middle of the chaotic party.
Claws Out is a straight shot of heavy rock n’ roll straight to the heart. With its infectious energy, blistering guitar solos, and powerhouse vocals, it’s a proof to the enduring power of the genre. Crank up the volume, grab the Aqua Net, throw up the horns, and let Lÿnx take you on a journey through the wild and untamed world of hair metal glory.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Rock Machine”, “Can’t Get Enough”, “Band of Brothers”, “Pull the Trigger”, “Lights Out”