SMOKING SNAKES – Danger Zone

Yes, this is just what I was in the mood for today – a raunchy and fiery blast of sleaze metal with a raw edge and a lively atmosphere to it. Swedish delinquents Smoking Snakes recently released this eleven-track debut offering of theirs via Frontiers and it ticks a lot of boxes in terms of great songwriting, good arrangements, punchy riffs, and overall entertainment value. Nothing sounds polished or refined here, which obviously adds charm to its wild and reckless vibe, and the whole thing positively crackles with energy and determination. There is no denying the fact that ‘Run for Your Life’, ‘Lady Luck’, and ‘There is No Tomorrow’ are superbly written and designed for maximum live effect, and I love the aggression of the tracks in general and their gritty feel. I used the label “sleaze metal” earlier on but I reckon others would liken it to glam metal. Regardless, it is an efficient and catchy slab of fist-pumping rock that is guaranteed to annoy your neighbors if you play it loud. Original? Fuck no, but it is overflowing with youthful vigor and zeal and that is good enough for me.