Review: Buckcherry ‘Hellbound’

Photo: Buckcherry by Ashley Ann Caven Hellbound

By Martine Ehrenclou

California hard rockers Buckcherry are set to release their ninth studio album, Hellbound on June 25^th, 2021 via Round Hill Records in North America, Earache Records in the UK, Europe and Australia and Sony Japan in Japan. Produced by Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Jonny Lang, Sheryl Crow), the 10-track record was co-written by Frederikson, lead vocalist Josh Todd and guitarist Stevie D.

Tracked in Nashville 2020, Buckcherry made the most of the pandemic year by writing and recording a fresh, killer record with groove. With blistering riffs and gritty, powerful vocals, the band’s bluesy rock and roll is tighter than ever.

Josh Todd says, “When the pandemic hit, we had to shift gears like everyone else and it was anything but comfortable. The good news is when this band is backed up against the wall, we produce our best music. Hellbound reflects just that.”

Now 22 years running, with a number of band member changeups and three years off in the early 2000s, the ever-popular Buckcherry is raucous, loud, and intense, known for its sleezy swagger. They didn’t gain their double and quadruple certified platinum status for nothing. This group not only rocks hard but they have something to say, even if its F**k (their 2014 EP title). Josh Todd is politically incorrect and brash but he’s wildly entertaining and a helluva frontman with a great voice and strong sense of rhythm.

There’s a lot more to Buckcherry than meets the eye. This is no 80s rock band that’s clinging to its earlier hits. Although not all of their albums have been well received, the band keeps upping their game and challenging themselves to write better material. Hellbound attains that goal.

With Josh Todd on lead vocals, Stevie D. on lead guitar, Kelly LeMieux on bass, Francis Ruiz on drums and Billy Rowe on rhythm and lead guitar, Buckberry has triumphed with the new lineup and their new album, Hellbound.

Buckcherry has tapped into the rebellious teenager with its fans and after 22 years they’re going strong. Todd’s trashiness is part of the appeal—fans expect it. He pulls it off not just because he’s a magnetic frontman, but because he doesn’t take himself too seriously. Plus he and co-writers write great songs. The band is good.

Album opener, “54321” is a gift for long-time Buckcherry fans, a punk flavored, classic rock crowd pleaser.

The going gets good with “So Hott,” a scorching rocker with Todd’s gritty vocals, and twin guitars by Stevie D. and new guitarist, Billie Rowe. A high-energy track with ripping guitars and stomping drums, this track is loaded with inventive chord changes and Todd hauling a** on vocals. He sings, “I don’t think you’re an angel, I don’t see no halo…” He’s a bad boy on this track with hard-charging rhythm. Buckcherry is firing on all cylinders here.

Cracking drums kick off, “Hellbound,” the best kind of testosterone rock. With an AC/DC vibe, it’s a rocking anthem with high-voltage vocals and blazing guitars. This is one tight band and they seem better for the addition of new guitarist Billy Rowe (Jetboy). Hail to the guitar solo. Crank it up.

This band understands space and rhythm. It’s readily apparent on “Gun,” a bluesy rock track with harmonica, in the pocket drums and bass. Fans of early Aerosmith will love this one. This song and others on Hellbound set Buckcherry apart from other rock bands. Part of the appeal is Josh’s command of his vocals riding the rhythm. His vocal phrasing is just so good and his falsetto on the chorus is a flicker of brilliance. Another guitar-driven gem with 70’s rock influences. A standout.

Watch “So Hott”

You have to hand it to Josh Todd for keeping this band together for 22 years. It’s amazing that after the changes that they’re this tight and together. Where other bands would have broken up, kudos to him and the surviving members for keeping to the vision and not letting go. The year off seems to have done all of them good; Todd’s voice is in peak form and Stevie D.’s blistering solos are better than ever.

Rhythmic and muscular, “Here I Come” is another standout. Aggressive drumming and guitars drive this rocker with meat on its bones, grinding deep with social commentary. Once again Josh Todd’s vocal phrasing is right on it.

With tracks like blues rockers “Junk”, “Wasting More Time”, and “Barricade,” we have a band that’s peeling back the layers and posing questions about society and the human condition. Creative melodic rock and interesting storylines abound on Hellbound. This adrenalin-charged band has a lot going for it.