There is a fine-line between reminiscing and living in the past.  With metal music, we all think back to "The good ole days" when we first heard our heroes we love to this day.  Relentless, powerful, full of energy, there was no stopping them.  Would they carry the torch forever?  Time can be a ruthless opponent for most, but I'm here to tell you there's one metal legend in particular who has managed to kick time in the nuts and continue without losing a single step.  

Of course, I'm referring to former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider. He and his new band will be releasing a new live album in the coming days, and I'm here to tell you this man is nothing short of amazing on this album.  With his being on the scene for more than 40 years and being a fan of his since I first laid ears on the classic tune Under the Blade in '82, this man still sounds astoundingly good.  With one of the most recognizable voices in metal, he takes his over-the-top persona, comedic wit, and lays it all out on this instant classic. 

In 2018, Snider released a solo album entitled For The Love of Metal, which was in itself was a top-notch release, and paying homage to it here, there are no less than EIGHT songs from that record on this one!   The two opening salvos "Lies Are a Business" and "Tomorrow's No Concern" are all you need to hear to understand how Snider's iconic voice fits so well with today's metal.  Bloodcurdling barking, the essence of thrash, a very clean and natural recording, and a band that's tight as a drum left me wanting more and fast!

Of course, the next tune was from the way-back machine, the title track from Twisted Sister's 1983 album, You can't stop Rock and Roll.  I've never heard it sound better.  From here, I was hooked. There's truly something here for Metal lovers of any generation.  Twisted Sister classics, "Under the Blade," (the version here gave me chills) "The Kids Are Back," "We're Not Gonna Take It," and "I Wanna Rock" are interlaced with barn-burners "American Made," "Before the Storm," and "Roll over You," from the latest solo album. There's nothing more fascinating to me than hearing "I Wanna Rock," and then this band bursting into the new "For the Love of Metal"… Snider has indeed scooped up everything great from back in the day, blended it with some compelling new stuff, and created an impressive collection here.

But wait, There's more! Included here is an excellent cover of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell," "The Fire Still Burns" from Twisted Sister's 1985 release "Come out and Play," and a hidden gem from Dee's band Widowmaker "Ready to Fall."  A great song from a very underappreciated album from back in the day, that fits well here.  Finally, there's also a new studio track entitled "Prove me Wrong," another new shredder that brings it full-circle. 

Here's the bottom line, if you a fan Dee Snider, Twisted Sister, or anything metal for that matter, you'll love For The Love of Metal Live.  Plain and simple, it pays homage to the past while staying current with some of the most vicious, raw, unapologetic metal out there today.  This is one bad-ass live album that, for me, is going to be on repeat for a long while.  As always, be well, and wash your hands! 

As always, rock on my friends!     Hunnypot Approved!     Overall Rating:  9.5 out of 10

Artist:  Dee Snider  LP: For The Love of Metal Live,   Release Date: July 31, 2020,   Label:  Napalm Records