Maximum Metal Rating Legend

The mouth that roared--Dee Snider. Did his years in the clubs, found rock fame, and fell back to the underground. Whatever your opinion, the guy kept hustling with various media projects and survived.

Now, he's returned with 'For the Love of Metal' a title that assures condemnation if it doesn't serve up some level of heavy. Through speedy opening tracks "Lies Are A Business" and "Tomorrow's No Concern" and into chest thumpers "I Am The Hurricane", "I'm Ready", and "Roll Over You", it does indeed bring a tough stance, no doubt helped by Jamey Jasta's production. Dee's voice isn't made for pure singing, so the harmonies in "Maze" and "Become the Storm" add a nice touch. "Dead Hearts (Love Thy Enemy)" is the power ballad duet lead-in to the self-referencing beef of the title track.

There's no latter day Twisted Sister slapstick humor or poppy entertainment pandering in 'Metal'. It's hefty, confrontational, and a return to his earlier 80s street sound. 'For The Love Of Metal' was produced by Hatebreed vocalist Jamey Jasta and features contributions from Howard Jones (ex-Killswitch Engage), Mark Morton (Lamb Of God), Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), Joel Grind and Nick Bellmore (Toxic Holocaust) and Charlie Bellmore (Kingdom Of Sorrow).

Jay Jay French one said that he didn't see any reason in the world for Twister Sister to record new music. I, for one, am glad Dee chose, or was at least nudged toward, a different path and is still throwing out a few explicit words.