Halestorm's 2022 release, their fifth studio album Back From The Dead, is a triumphant album that is not only on par with their prior records, but in many respects trumps all that has come before. Loaded with raw energy, captivating lyrics, and Lzzy Hale's signature powerhouse vocals, Back From The Dead stands as a fierce testament to the band's evolution and enduring spirit and is amongst the best albums released in 2022.
Back From The Dead also marks Halestorm’s greatest album artwork to date as it’s evocative of their musical style and portrays the emotive frustrations of the last few years into a piece of visual art that would look incredible on the larger vinyl canvas. While I’ve yet to pick up a release on vinyl, the Hi-Res Lossless Apple Music stream, an Apple Digital Master, is simply exquisite. It’s so enjoyable that I question if I need the vinyl counterpart, but that is a null thought as the artwork is worthy of ownership alone. Nevertheless, it’s wonderful to hear modern hard rock music recorded, mixed, and mastered so well, for it is the exception rather than the norm.
That said, as it pertains to the Dolby Atmos surround sound mix, also on Apple Music, it isn’t as hard-hitting and rocking as the stereo mix and sounds a little muddy in places. The treble is dialled back and is, subsequently, a little less pronounced, but Hale’s vocal is also a little distant in the surround mix. It’s as if the album was recorded for stereo and then mixed to the surround format as an afterthought. I’m all for Atmos mixes when done with intent, but I certainly don’t believe it should be done for the sake of ticking a box.
Back From The Dead is a killer blues-based hard rock opener that sets the tone for the entire album. It’s Halestorm 101 and while it may not break new ground, you know exactly what to expect and Halestorm delivers.
Wicked Ways is one of Halestorm's greatest recordings. Hale’s incredible vocal is the magical element that ensures Wicked Ways is a highlight of the album. Naturally, it isn’t only Hale’s prowess on the microphone that makes such an impact for the band is on fire throughout this hard rock masterpiece. Wicked Ways is what can only be called a stadium-filling tune and if you don’t agree, may I suggest you listen again and turn the volume up to 11.
Strange Girl is the perfect follow-up to Wicked Ways. The tempo may be a little slower, but the hard rock and heavy metal core elements remain present. With Strange Girl, you’ll be met with a wall of sound but that’s far from a bad thing, especially for this style of music. It's emotional and raw and Halestorm has never sounded this good.
Brightside is best described as an album-only tune with killer rhythm and guitar elements. It’s a solid rocker that keeps the album flowing and sometimes that is all that is required.
The Steeple is groovy and is, as with the entire album, proof that rock and roll isn’t dead. There’s no doubt in my mind that The Steeple will be incredible when performed live for if Hale’s vocal delivery or the guitar solo doesn’t get you, the tribal nature of the song will.
Terrible Things slows the tempo considerably, but it’s a beautiful song and Halestorm has the musical chops to deliver both ballad-styled tunes and heavy hitters alike.
My Redemption slowly brings us back to rock elements more frequently associated with Halestorm and while I wouldn’t suggest that My Redemption is a standout song, it’s another album-filling tune that ensures Back From The Dead remains a memorable album experience.
Bombshell is nu-metal meets heavy metal meets rock and roll. There’s a plethora of elements to appreciate with Bombshell and it’s one of those songs that will likely take multiple listens in order to fully appreciate. When you find the musical elements that speak most to you, Bombshell quickly becomes a wonderful addition to the album and Halestorm’s expanded catalogue of music. For me, it’s the bass tracking and Hale's vocal, for they are the backbone of the song.
I Come First has a killer introduction. That riff and Hale’s vocal dexterity are exceptional. The result is an addictive toe-tapping head-bopper that is thoroughly enjoyable.
Psycho Crazy, from the very first note, puts me into a pleasurable bass coma. Unfortunately, as the song progresses, the focus on the bass element is reduced within the mix. Subsequently, I’d suggest that Psycho Crazy is a little overproduced in that it is trying too hard and should have fewer musical elements, thereby allowing for a cleaner recording and overall presentation of an otherwise solid tune.
Raise Your Horns is simply magnificent. While I’ve mentioned it countless times throughout this review, Hale’s vocal is spectacular. She truly has never sounded better and if Raise Your Horns doesn’t leave you impressed, you’re listening wrong for Hale is one of the greatest vocalists the world has ever known and even after all these years, she’s just getting started.
While Back From The Dead demonstrates Halestorm's musical growth and experimentation, it’s an album that provides further validation to their unwavering dedication to the hard rock industry, their fans, and to the music itself, for Back From The Dead is full of electrifying performances.