Source: Album Artwork
Southern Rock is one of the most popular genres of Rock there is; Black Stone Cherry and co. come to mind with their Kentucky drawl and heavy guitar chugs. It might then surprise you that a band from Greece has been doing it longer. Athens rockers Planet of Zeus have been putting out music that fills 3,000 people venues and has seen them tour with Rock heavyweights Clutch since the turn of the millennium.
Loyal to the Pack promises heavy riffs and gritty vocals, it does not lie. Serving up their own unique style of Southern Rock, Planet of Zeus certainly have all the qualities that it takes to make it big on the European circuit. Songs such as ‘Them nights’ and ‘Your love makes me want to hurt myself’ are examples of the fine musicianship that is on display on this album, some groove-funk and blues-inspired guitar riffs coupled with distinctive vocals it isn’t hard to see why they have become so successful.
However this album is weak in some areas, despite all of the up sides that this release has to offer, there is a lot of unnecessary music. Many bands have created outstanding albums that have featured songs that are 7 or 8 minutes long, but only certain acts can get away with that. Unfortunately, the lack of musical diversity leaves a stale taste after an opening so full of promise. Everything is of the same breed, there is no palate cleanser in this album to reinvigorate interest and passion to listen, and that is a real shame, there is no song more fitting to describe this album than the final song ‘Athens’ , this song offers real intrigue at the start with a beautiful Piano intro, only for it to constantly repeat for 4 minutes.
Planet of Zeus are a living testament to what quality of music there is to offer in mainland Europe, they have created something unique to themselves and for the most part it is awesome material. Maybe they just try too hard.
