Molly Hatchet Justice
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
Southern rock veterans Molly Hatchet are at it again. The old-school Florida-based sextet has just released its 13th studio album entitled Justice – a full 32 years after its debut hit the stores in 1978. After all those years and many personnel changes, Molly Hatchet can still bring it.
Justice still has a distinctly Southern Rock sound, but the tone has been modernized. Many of the tracks lack the stereotypical big Southern “twang” and mostly come across as straight up rock or blues-rock numbers. Well engineered and produced, the album is one the band can be proud of. Filled with emotion and feeling, Justice is a very good album and a fine addition to Molly Hatchet’s musical legacy.
Despite many personnel changes, the current incarnation has been together for many years. Guitarist Bobby Ingram has been with the band for 24 years, fellow guitarist Dave Hlubek is a founding member and is now in his second stint with the band, keyboard player John Galvin is Molly Hatchet’s original keyboardist, and vocalist Phil McCormack has fronted the band for well more than a decade. Even the new boys have impressive credits – drummer Shawn Beamer has been with them for more than a half dozen years, and bassist Tim Lindsey brings tones of experience from his years with Lynyrd Skynyrd.
“Been To Heaven Been To Hell” opens the album on a strong note. Solid musicianship, good lyrics and an overriding message about going home fill this upbeat rock track. Vocalist Phil McCormack does a fine job on this track, along with guitarists Bobby Ingram and Dave Hlubek (the last founding member still with the band), and the band plays with a great sense of fun and energy. “Safe In My Skin” brings a great blues-rock groove to the front and Shawn Beamer’s intense drum line makes this a great driving song, although this track could have used a bit more power from the backing vocals. This track also features some great guitar solos and nice keyboard work by John Galvin. “Deep Water” opens with a very Euro-metal keyboard intro and almost comes across as pure modern metal although McCormack’s gravel voice seems a touch out of place in this style – but somehow it works.
Molly Hatchet shifts gears and lays down a pure kicky blues track in “American Pride.” “I’m Gonna Live ‘Til I Die” is another pure metal track – with only a trace of the South in McCormack’s voice. Some of the imagery in the lyrics indicate that this is NOT a major European metal act. It’s definitely one of the strongest tracks on the album. “Fly On Wings Of Angels (Somer’s Song)” is a very sad and beautiful song, which was written as a fundraiser to help the family of Somer Thompson, a 7-year-old girl and fellow Floridian who was murdered in 2009. This one will bring a tear to the most jaded listener’s eye. The piano-driven “As Heaven Is Forever” is a moving love song with a distinctly southern sound.
“Tomorrows And Forevers” is a very upbeat Southern rocker with great vocals, solid lyrics and a bouncy rhythm line. It’s a great “live-in-the-moment” sing-along track. “Vengeance” and “In The Darkness Of The Night” are dark and gritty rock tracks with fabulous bass lines and nice, choppy guitars. “Justice” wraps the CD with a very heavy and pounding bottom end and features some fabulous guitars and keyboards – the best track on the disc by far.
While Molly Hatchet may never duplicate the raw success of 1979’s “Flirtin’ With Disaster,” its latest release proves that the band is still a living, breathing musical force. They are not afraid to change with the times but remain true to their Southern roots. While musical tastes have changed enough that a southern rock tune probably will never be a No. 1 hit, Justice is a clear indication that the genre is still alive and kickin’.
Justice is highly recommended for Southern rock and blues rock fans and is recommended for almost all rock fans due to the diversity of styles and overall professional execution. Justice would make an excellent staring point for anyone curious about the Southern Rock genre – and will probably win the band many new fans.
R.I.P. Former band members Danny Joe Brown and Duane Roland, and Stephanie Ingram, wife of guitarist Bobby. God bless…
Genre: Southern Rock
Band:
Phil McCormack (vocals, harmonica)
John Galvin (keyboards)
Tim Lindsey (bass)
Shawn Beamer (drums)
Dave Hlubek (guitars)
Bobby Ingram (guitars)
Track Listing:
1. Been To Heaven Been To Hell
2. Safe In My Skin
3. Deep Water
4. American Pride
5. I’m Gonna Live ‘Til I Die
6. Fly On Wings Of Angels (Somer’s Song)
7. As Heaven Is Forever
8. Tomorrows And Forevers
9. Vengeance
10. In The Darkness Of The Night
11. Justice
Label: SPV Music
Website: www.mollyhatchet.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 8/10