Maximum Metal Rating Legend

It’s not surprising that Tainted Lady vocalist Michael Catton was pulled on stage to sing with Steel Panther earlier this year. The British born vocalist embodies everything we love about pure rock ‘n roll – he’s loud, rebellious, and convincing. Further, it’s no surprise to see Tainted Lady hob knobbing, curtain jerking and shoulder rubbing with hard rock stalwarts like Steel Panther. The young band have already supported acts like Deep Purple, Electric Guitars and Pretty Maids. The band’s debut album, ‘How the Mighty Have Fallen’, was produced by the esteemed Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Mike Tramp) and released via Scandinavian label Mighty Music. Lead-off single “Ampburner” is the best representation of the band’s rock-saturation. It’s part early Aerosmith, with Catton caterwauling with Steven Tyler-esque screams while draped in the blues. Musically, it’s driving, catchy hard rock with loads of solos, twin guitar melodies and seemingly veteran craftsmanship. With immediate accessibility on tracks like “Loverman” and “Sons of Guns”, both raucous, energetic numbers, the band dip into the earliest days of the genre. “The Best Days” is sort of Queen meets The Beatles, a 60s meets 70s ballad that begs for radio play (is there such a thing?). It’s a bonafide hit if there ever was one. Album closer “The Last of Our Kind” is an album highlight for me, an easy-going track that simply but profoundly states “The song gets me by”. Truer words have never been spoken.