Six
Review by: Marsworth
Rating: 7.5
June 9, 2023 was a huge day for hair metal fans around the globe as it was the release of EXTREME’s newest record entitled ‘SIX’ which is, believe it or not, their sixth studio album. Even with having released two singles back in April of this year, “Banshee” and “#REBEL”, the record still nicked the top of the charts in several countries. Alongside earMUSIC records, the multi-platinum rockers have hit #2 on the rock charts in both the UK and the USA. Fans have been raving about the sound and mix of the record being just as, perhaps better than, the band’s infamous 1990 release ‘Extreme II: Pornograffitti’ making it worth the nearly 20 year wait for a new release! Each and every member of EXTREME are ready to grab us by the hand and show us the “Other Side Of the Rainbow”.
EXTREME is:
Gary Cherone – vocals
Nuno Bettencourt – guitar
Pat Badger – bass
Kevin Figueiredo – drums
As previously mentioned, there are elements of ‘Pornograffiti’ and even ‘III Sides to Every Story’ filling the covers of every cut that the band serves up. The agelessness of Cherone’s voice echoes throughout every track overtop of every thunderous bassline given to us by Badger intertwined with Figueiredo’s solid foundation. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all unicorns and butterflies, some songs seem slightly basic for the band as it doesn’t hold the same funk as earlier records. Although, the kick of “Beautiful Girls” could win over the hearts of many that previously haven’t heard of EXTREME. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives on this record as we see nods to Van Halen, absolutely angelic harmonies, and totally stellar songwriting. The groove of “Banshee” makes something in me switch on as Bettencourt plays like a beast waiting to be unleashed. It’s about time that there be a rock record that’s actually worth the wait of the long time listeners. The least we can say as fans: Welcome back, Extreme!
TRACK LIST:
- RISE
- #REBEL
- BANSHEE
- OTHER SIDE OF THE RAINBOW
- SMALL TOWN BEAUTIFUL
- THE MASK
- THICKER THAN BLOOD
- SAVE ME
- HURRICANE
- X OUT
- BEAUTIFUL GIRLS
- HERE’S TO THE LOSERS