Search - Molly Hatchet :: Warriors of the Rainbow Bridge

Southern Rock's Righteous Warriors Return

The Footpath Cowboy | Kingston, NY United States | 06/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Molly Hatchet have made a brilliant return with WARRIORS OF THE RAINBOW BRIDGE, their first studio album of completely new material since KINGDOM OF XII, with a title track inspired by guitarist Bobby Ingram's loss of his wife. What's more, the guys in this band, like many other Southern rock road warriors (Skynyrd, Outlaws, Tucker, etc.), advocate sanctions against Indonesia in the wake of that country's trumped-up 2005 drug-smuggling conviction of a young Australian tourist. In addition, original guitarist Dave Hlubek returns to co-lead the band with vocalist Phil McCormack and longtime six-stringer (and his own replacement) Ingram. This sense of purpose spills into almost everything on here, even the slower songs, making WARRIORS OF THE RAINBOW BRIDGE an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience."

A great southern rock record

George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 06/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Good

Hatchet starts their latest album off appropriately with the southern pride anthem "Son of the South". Guitarist Bobby Ingram loads the track with chunky riffs and stinging licks. Phil McCormack's throaty vocals emit a powerful delivery. "I'm ready for You" is super-charged by a sweet lick that returns again and again. The lyrics tell the tale of racing a police cruiser down the highway (Smokey & The Bandit baby!). Inspiring power chords and driving percussion dominate "Roadhouse Boogie", a track about how good life is on the road. It hints at the bad side of the road as well.



The energy runs high on "Get in the Game" as McCormack displays some of his strongest vocals yet and Ingram lays down some unforgettable runs. "Flames Are Burning" focuses on how great things can be until it is ruined by infidelity. The verses section uses a lot of piano in the foreground, while the choruses are full of McCormack's anger and frustration. The sexually-charged song "Behind the Bedroom Door" has a heavenly intro to it that sounds like Joe Coker's "A Little Help From My Friend's" (The Wonder Years theme). From there it continues with some great southern rock boogie-woogie riffing and bluesy licks.



The Bad

Although full of emotion, McCormack's vocals are just too gritty for the ballads.



The Verdict

Warriors of the Rainbow Bridge is a great southern rock record with just the right touch of heavy metal. Ingram and company have crafted a classic piece of rock that's full of memorable and identifiable music.

"

The Cutting Edge Of Southern Rock

Southern Rock Fan | Gator Country, USA | 06/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"No, this is not 1978. It is 2005 and Warriors Of The Rainbow Bridge is one of Molly Hatchet's strongest CD's. There are no "filler" songs on this CD, every track has it's own unique groove and feel. You can feel the emotion in every solo that guitarist Bobby Ingram puts into each song, and this is Phil McCormacks strongest vocal effort since becoming Hatchet's lead singer way back in 1996. Not only do I think this is one of their best CD's, I think it is one of the best rock albums released in a long time and Molly Hatchet are leading the way in the southern rock genre. If you like Molly Hatchet, southern rock or just straight-ahead, screamin' guitars cranked to 11, in-your-face, hard 'n heavy rock 'n roll, then this CD is for you - as are Hatchet's last three releases "Kingdom Of XII", "Silent Reign Of Heroes" and "Devil's Canyon"."