Album Review: Fozzy - Do You Wanna Start A War

“If Metallica and Journey had a bastard child, it would sound like Fozzy,” livewire vocalist Chris Jericho once informed this reviewer.

That’s about as apt a reference point as one could devise for an act once unfairly lambasted by cynics as a vanity project, but, stylistically, this accessible record goes beyond such headline–catching descriptors.

Inking a Century Media deal for 2012’s inconsistent Sin And Bones, its follow–up is a more assured, versatile hard rock collection. Just ignore the cheesy artwork. This set spans pulsating, self–described “dance club heavy metal”, from the memorable Lights Go Out to the pounding title track, ballad Died With You and radio–rocker Unstoppable to a lovingly crafted take on ABBA’s SOS, surely destined to be a concert favourite.

The closing prog epics of recent releases are absent though, and some may begrudge fleeting nods to heavier leanings (Witchery, Scarecrow). WWE superstar Jericho is the mouthpiece, but this LP reinforces axeman Rich Ward’s (underrated rap/metallers Stuck Mojo) true ringmaster and linchpin status. That distinctive guitar tone, crunchy riffs and melodic nous underpin their approach, and his backing grunts on the likes of One Crazed Anarchist afford a welcome counterpoint. Fozzy’s affinity with multi–part vocal harmonies remains a key trademark, as does their infectious energy, best exhibited live, but palpable here too.

Disparate influences are detectable and a few misfires follow, but Fozzy’s songwriting smarts ensure their overall outlook feels fresh enough to retain dedicated fans’ interest. Whether it garners many converts remains to be seen.