Steel Panther | Balls Out

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by Nikiforos Skoumas
Staff Writer —

Glam metal revivalists and all-metal saviors Steel Panther have returned with their second album Balls Out. Since their 2009 debut, Death to all but Metal, Steel Panther have been a much sought after band having established strongholds in the United States the United Kingdom and Japan plus retained their contract with ‘Universal Republic.’

Their brand of uncensored sexist glam metal seems to fit every aspect of today’s social, political and economical environment, portrayed through the prism of four flashy, outrageous, though undeniably musical, individuals. The line up has remained unchanged since their previous album featuring lead singer Michael Starr, guitarist Satchel, bassist Lexi Foxx and drummer Stix Zadinia.

Audience who bought the debut are expecting ‘80s over-the-top rock extravaganza and Steel Panther do deliver in both music and lyrics. There is however a downside, especially for that segment of the audience who enjoyed their melodic, AOR-parody songs, because for the biggest part Balls Out is a riff-driven and substantially groovy album. Having said that, with a total of 14 tracks on offer, Steel Panther have included something for everyone on this second album.

The melodic rockers are “Just Like Tiger Woods,” “Tomorrow Night” and “Critter” easily the album’s strongest moments for the those who enjoy melodic guitar lines and aggressive choruses. “17 Girls in a Row” is chosen as the single for the North American market, easily one of the dirtier and catchier songs on the album. “If You Really Really Love Me” is the single choice for the U.K. being a somewhat censored version of Steel Panther in action, which compensates the audience through its immensely sarcastic lyrics.

No matter where one stands regarding Steel Panther, it is hard to argue the technical proficiency of the quartet. Michael Starr is actually a very melodic singer when provided with the appropriate song while he is more than capable of hitting and sustaining all the higher notes. Satchel is indeed a guitar hero, a fact that may not fully come across on his riffs, yet becomes crystal clear once the solos kick in, each a musical theme at its own right. Styx is a very versatile drummer by glam metal standards, uncovering a great deal of his talent on the various patents and tempos found on Balls Out. Finally Lexxi… well Lexxi is just Lexxi.

Overall you have got to be a fan of Steel Panther to enjoy Balls Out. It is indeed dirty parody lyrics complemented by mighty ‘80s oriented hard rock music.

Genre: Glam Metal / Hard Rock

Line up:
Michael Starr (Ralph Saenz) – lead vocals, acoustic guitars
Satchel (Russ Parrish) – rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars, backing vocals
Lexxi Foxxx (Travis Haley) – bass, backing vocals
Stix Zadinia (Darren Leader) – drums, percussion, backing vocals

Track Listing:
1. “In the Future”
2. “Supersonic Sex Machine”
3. “Just Like Tiger Woods”
4. “17 Girls in a Row”
5. “If You Really, Really Love Me”
6. “It Won’t Suck Itself”
7. “Tomorrow Night”
8. “Why Can’t You Trust Me”
9. “That’s What Girls Are For”
10. “Gold-Digging Whore”
11. “I Like Drugs”
12. “Critter”
13. “Let Me Cum In”
14. “Weenie Ride”

Label: http://www.universalrepublic.com/home/

Hardrock Haven rating: 7.5/10