The Strange Case Of...Review

Artist:Halestorm

Album:The Strange Case Of...

Release Date:April 10

Label: Atlantic Records

Grade:A-

Pennsylvanian metal quartet Halestorm has unleashed their sophomore effort, The Strange Case Of...,to the worldafter the success of their 2009 self-titled debut. The 12-track disc flaunts the band's ability to travel through the spectrum of rock music and even push past the genre.

The Strange Case Of...is an ode to the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as it capitalizes on lead singer Elizabeth "Lzzy" Hale's ability to feature a gritty powerhouse voice on one track while switching to a more vulnerable sound on others.

A vocal count in and guitar intro open the album on "Love Bites [So Do I]," a track that showcases Hale's ability to challenge the male dominated metal scene with hard-hitting growls and vengeful lyrics.

"I was down and out/ got up I said 'Hey love I've had enough,'" Hale screams.

The Strange Case Of...progresses into emotional ballads like "Beautiful With Me," and "In Your Room." The piano segments in these songs promote a different sound for the band but interlock with the message of self-acceptance woven into the lyrics and Hale's flexible vocal cords.

In "Rock Show," the band uses cymbals to cascade over guitar riffs, igniting memories for those with pasts as concert junkies. Listeners will relive the adrenaline of crowd surfing and belting out their favorite lyrics in the front row throughout this track.

While the album progresses smoothly, "American Boys" fails to impress with its country twang. The song grows on listeners, however - it conjures images of riding country roads on a motorcycle with a lover and watching a boy walk past in his Levi jeans.

The closing track, "Here's to Us," has been featured on Glee with heavy editing. The original features explicit lyrics, which add to the power of the song.

"Here's to us/Here's to love/All the times that we f***ed up," Hale sings.

The careful addition of ballads to the album is a tribute to Halestorm's growth. Passionate lyrics and instrumentals prove that Halestorm's creative well has not run dry and their mark in the metal scene won't quickly fade. When the final note ends, new fans and veterans alike will find themselves hitting play once again.

Email: arts@ubspectrum.com