KICKIN VALENTINA – The Revenge Of Rock

8.8/10

KICKIN VALENTINA - The Revenge Of Rock - 8.8/10

8.8/10

Summary

Mighty Music
Release date: January 22, 2021

[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]

10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.

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User Review

8.5/10 (1 vote)

The Backstory

Atlanta-based Hard Rock act Kickin Valentina got their start in 2013. They named themselves after a dominatrix that was paid to kick men in the balls. In 2015 Kickin Valentina released their first studio album Super Atomic. They followed-up that release in 2017 with Imaginary Creatures. Kickin Valentina went on to tour and play festivals with the likes of Queenrÿche, Buckcherry, and Skid Row. Recently the group welcomed one-time Jetboy vocalist D.K. Revelle into the fold. January 22, 2021 will see the release of Kickin Valentina’s third studio album The Revenge of Rock. It’s produced by Andy Reilly (UFO, Bruce Dickinson, Cradle of Filth)

The Album

“Freak Show” is definitely a live show opener with it simple, yet energetic party vibe. “Somebody New” is the lead song from the album. It’s a little more polished than its predecessor. Basically, it’s made for radio play. Kickin Valentina lay down some great harmonies on the chorus. Smooth guitar riffs and licks command “Rat Race.” D.K. Revelle’s vocals are gritty and intense as he reminds us how much work sucks.

Revelle tells us not to follow the pack, but be yourself on “Strange” Guitarist Heber Pampillon delivers another great solo during the break. Revelle looks back on lost love with the mid-tempo rocker “Looking For Me.” “Heart Tattoo” has just enough distortion and edginess to not be a lame ballad. “End of the Road” will have you jumping in a frenzy, pumping your first in the air, and singing along with its infectious chorus.

The Verdict

The Revenge of Rock shows us that good ol’ dirty, gritty Blues Rock doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Kickin Valentina keep their music and lyrics simple, relatable, and noteworthy.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Tracklist

Freak Show
Somebody New
Rat Race
Strange
Looking For Me
War
Heart Tattoo
End Of The Road
The Revenge Of Rock

Kickin Valentina is

D.K. Revelle – Vocals
Heber Pampillon – Guitar
Chris Taylor – Bass
Jimmy Berdine – Drums

Author

George Dionne

George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015. Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.
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