Red, White, Black and Blue

Beyond the popular forms of metal like glam, progressive, or even speed, there is a group that never quite gained that kind of notoriety. The ugly step child of southern rock and heavy blues. That this is where American Dog fits in. It’s not a style that I’m really fond of, since I don’t really care for southern rock or the blues, but for what it is, they do it well. The music isn’t complicated, but it’s well played. The singing isn’t pretty, but if it was, it wouldn’t fit. The lyrics are as raunchy as the band and the production is as clean as the music would allow. They’ve embraced their style, even proclaiming themselves the kings of redneck metal. And even though I’m not sure there are any others who would want that title, they have my vote. – Scott Bazzett