The era of the Sunset Strip in the 1980s was a glorious and decadent time for rock ‘n’ roll. It was in famous clubs like the Whisky a Go Go, the Roxy, the Key Club, the Viper Room, and Gazzarri’s that glam metal and hard rock bands ruled the streets. The Sunset Strip era redefined the phrase sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. I was born in 1987, so I never got to experience that excitement (minus the drugs). However, one glam metal band looked to keep that 80s spirit alive with a comical twist. I am, of course, talking about L.A.’s own Steel Panther. They glam metal comedy rockers have been spreading their rock filth to world since 2000, and with the release of their latest album, On the Prowl, they are continuing their mission to party and rock hard.  This album marks the debut of their newest member, Joey “Spyder” Lester, who has taken over for the departed Lexxi Foxx, who I wish him all the best with his newest venture, “Sexxy Lexxi’s Prettiest Pets.” The question is: is On the Prowl worth the hunt?

The album opens with “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pussy).” Raunchy and sleazy in Steel Panther fashion, frontman Michael Starr oozes out his sexy tenor voice and I can imagine women’s underwear dropping everywhere. Right off the bat, Spyder emerges as a talented bassist with his simple yet potent licks. “Friends With Benefits” follows and as soon as the first riff kicks in, you feel that 80s glory. Guitarist Satchel highlights the tune with some bolstering riffs and one mean solo that would rival that of CC DeVille. I cannot tell you which solo in the song I like more because they are both sharp. Next is “On Your Instagram,” an ingenious parody on our obsession with Instagram models and being catfished. I mean, come on! Of course, Steel Panther would sing about that. It is cleverly funny and written as a power ballad. Satchel is a blistering machine on the solo, scorching the Earth in heart-wrenching fashion. Ladies, heed Starr’s words and hold on to your man, for an Instagram model has become your nightmare. “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” feels like a filler song that has some great hooks. I did not feel it was one of their strongest, but that is not to say I hated it. With time, it should grow on me.

“1987” is not only a great title, but it was also the year I was born. This tune is an ode to one of the greatest years for rock, for it was the debut of Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction and the release of Mötley Crüe’s Girls Girls Girls. Starr loves singing about the days of listening to great metal tune and doing good blow with girls. Drummer Stix Zadinia was thunderous on the kit while Satchel muscled out a bombastic solo that one would in 1987.  “Teleporter” sizzles right off the grill thanks to the spicy riff Satchel put together. This song has the markings of a classic hard rock tune in 80s fashion, just do not wear white pants. Up next is “Is My Dick Enough,” wear Frank Zappa’s own guitar virtuoso son Dweezil came into the fold and added some hot blues riffs. The way his plays is very smoldering, setting the whole song ablaze. The raunchy lyrics Starr throws out there go hand-to-hand with the blues. After all, blues back in the day sometimes sounded sexy. “Magical Vagina” is power ballad that touches on love and well…pussy! Only Steel Panther could write a song about a woman’s lady parts, give it a catchy hook, and somehow make it playful. Stix and Spyder continue to not overcomplicate the beat, yet the simplicity they bring to the song adds muscle. “All That and More” continues to assert Steel Panther’s salute to their manhood.

With 4 songs left, On the Prowl has been very sporting. “One Pump Chump” gives recognition to PE and more importantly, dodgeball. This is probably one of the few times I wish I could take PE again because I hated it back in the day. “Pornstar” is another ballad that seems to demand your lover act more like pornstars. Honestly, Satchel reached deep into his pocket of riffs, and screeched one of his best solos off the album. We now come to acoustic pleaser with “Ain’t Dead Yet.”  This song shows us that no matter how old you get, you are never too old or young to rock out. Satchel does a stellar job on the acoustic while Starr becomes vulnerable with his words without sounding like a wuss. This is probably one of their best written songs to date. As the album ends, what better way to cap off a great record than with “Sleeping on the Rollaway.” It is a perfect blend of Judas Priest with Van Halen and Green Day. The group incorporated some pop rock into the tune, and the gamble pays off.

We were On the Prowl, and this record captured its prize. Steel Panther certainly know how to keep the party going. This is only their 6th album, and they do not have any intentions to throw in the towel. There are a few songs that I felt were throw aways, but I think as time goes on, I will grow to like them even more. The party never stops, and neither will these guys. To Steel Panther, I salute you. Horns up!!!   

Hunnypot Approved - 8.5/10.