Carina Lawrence
Halestorm are an American rock band from Pennsylvania who formed in 1997. They released their self titled debut back in 2009 through Atlantic Records. Halestorm made history by becoming the first female-fronted band to top the active rock airplay chart with their song "Love Bites...(So Do I)" taken from their sophomore album, "The Strange Case Of.." which was released in April 2012. In the same month, Gibson Guitars created a signature series guitar for front woman, Lzzy Hale. The band also played the second stage at Download Festival 2012 in June. 2012 has been a brilliant year for big rock/metal albums in my opinion, so it was really a matter of thinking what stood out the most amongst all the incredible releases this year.. And "The Strange Case Of.." by Halestorm was at the top of the list! The reason being mainly for its diversity in terms of style and sound, and the calibre and power of each song, whether it be a soft ballad or a hard rock anthem! I know its been said, but Halestorm stand out in the female fronted bands category for their style and sound, offering something that's not been done before. You can't really compare them to other bands; they all have so much passion for what they do and this certainly shines through. Unlike some female fronted bands, its not just about Izzy, well in my opinion at least, the band are a tight unit, each helping define their sound, with guitarist Joe Hottinger coming up with huge riffs that get you headbanging and intricate slick solos seen in "Love Bites" as well as impressive acoustic work ("In Your Room", "Here's To Us"), while Izzy's brother, Arejay delivers his drums in an equally brilliant and crazy manner, and lastly bassist Josh Smith providing bad ass bass lines and mellow soft riffs, as well as all the boys backing up Izzy on gang vocals! Izzy herself has one of best vocal ranges and tones I have heard, from shouting ("Love Bites", "I Miss The Misery") to singing simultaneously and effortlessly. I for one can't get enough of this album, and each time I listen I discover my new favourite song. There's such as good combination of catchy, mainstream sound meets..well 'Mz Hyde'..I love the insanity captured in certain songs, such as the manic heavy "Love Bites", "I Miss The Misery", "Daughter Of Darkness" and of course "Mz Hyde". The concept of almost two personalities from the front woman works well, as you have these songs demonstrating an almost unstable insane evil side and then to contrast, we have the mellow softer side shown through songs such as, "Break In", "Beautiful With You" and "In Your Room" that truly show Izzy's fantastic range. The album offers something for everyone, and there is no denying this band has talent and fantastic musicianship. I think with this album the band really stepped into the limelight and marked their territory. All hail Halestorm!