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Alright, let’s be honest here. I’m sure many of you have clicked on this thinking there’s no way a Dee Snider album is worth talking about in 2021. The heyday of Twisted Sister are long gone, and so is that brand of pop metal that was ubiquitous in 1984. But you’re wrong.
I started streaming ‘Leave a Scar’ out of curiosity. Maybe I expected a train wreck, I don’t know. But here’s what I can say: by song 3, I was ordering a signed CD from Newbury Comics. ‘Leave a Scar’ is a modern metal record that straddles comfortably classic metal and newer genres. If you know Twisted Sister by ‘I Wanna Rock’ and ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’, there’s not much of that here. If you know Twisted Sister from ‘Under the Blade’, ‘The Kids Are Back’ or ‘Burn In Hell’, you know Snider’s songwriting has an edge that you’ll find throughout this record.
Dee’s songwriting (he shares credits with his band) is on point; in fact, it’s probably some of his best ever, and the production from Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta is excellent. Snider’s band is tight, setting up the foundation over which his still powerful voice holds court. This is a great modern metal record that will appeal to older and newer fans alike. It’s his fifth solo album, and if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be checking them out in case I missed something as strong as this record. Horns up for ‘Leave a Scar’!
DEE SNIDER Band Line-up:
Dee Snider – Vocals
Charlie Bellmore – Guitar & Background Vocals
Nick Bellmore – Drums
Russell Pzütto – Bass & Background Vocals
Nick Petrino – Guitar & Background Vocals
He's also a regular contributor at the excellent news site Montreal Rampage
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