Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Steel Panther Balls Out Company: Universal Republic Release: 2011 Genre: Hard Rock Reviewer: Chris Kincaid

Whip out your balls and feel some more steel!

Much of Metal is a self-appointed social conscience taking on the issues in the world. Hard Rock on the other hand is it's playful side. It's that light in the shadows of this darkened world.

Case in point: Steel Panther. Back in 2009 they released their first official album for a major label. Despite the numerous Swedish rock bands that have tried to recapture the glory days of the Hair Metal era, it was Steel Panther's "Feel The Steel" that seen the biggest success. It was so huge I wondered if SP would be able to top it with their follow up "Balls Out".

Well...my fears have been put to rest.

Once you get done eye-fucking the hottie on the cover you'll be introduced to SP's sleazy vision for the future. Set in the year 6969 the opener 'In The Future' is an intro narrated by comedian Dane Cook and an obvious homage to Motley Crue's 'In The Beginning'. It's just a sign of things to come! 'Just Like Tiger Woods' will teach you the rules for scoring on the links and how to lie to your wife. 'Tomorrow Night' is a hard rocking gem about going to a typical Hollywood party. You have 'Critter' a song that serves as a lesson on how to treat your lady the 'right' way. 'Let Me Cum In' has a deliciously sleazy riff and more than enough cowbell to keep even Christopher Walken satisfied. If you're the emotional type there's even a touching ballad in 'Why Can't You Trust Me?' about a neurotic chick who needs to learn to trust her man around easy broads. Or the Piano driven closer 'Weenie Ride' that'll have you laughing till you cry. And I dare you to listen to 'Gold-Digging Whore' and not get swept up in a chorus that spells the title out. Perfect for a live audience.

I could go on forever! Every song has such an addictive melody and is catchier than an STD at a Poison concert. All but 1 that is. Out of 14 tracks 13 are keepers. That's right! Only one song, which every time I try to recall it's title escapes me, didn't turn my crank. Not bad since some bands can't even produce 1 decent song out of 17!

Did I mention Jay Ruston? The 5th member of this band. The man behind "Feel The Steel" shines once again in bringing out the best from Panther. His Midas touch is giving them a rich sound that's clean and doesn't sound fake or phoned in. He's able to capture their live show energy for studio albums. An end result focused on punch and polished musicianship.

Sure they stick to the formula of parodying the crazy pitfalls of rock stars. But it's not just a hilarious look back at the sunset strip. They also throw in a few pop culture references like Charlie Sheen or Britney Spears. Hell even Justin Bieber whose as wholesome as white milk gets a mention. Set it to pounding drums, guitar shredding that would give Mustaine a hard on and it's a recipe for awesomeness! Steel Panther knows what their fans expect of them and gives it to them in spades.

If you didn't care for "Feel The Steel" chances are you won't dig this! On the other hand if you found yourself in stitches while pumping your fist in the air the first time round, then it's time to whip out your balls and feel some more steel!