There are times when you just want to grab a musician firmly around the neck, and when they are struggling for breath get close to them and say as delicately as you can, “What on earth were you thinking?” When I saw the name of the band, and then the album artwork, I already knew what these guys were going to sound like and I just wasn’t in the mood for some sleaze. But, I am committed to listening to everything I am asked to review, and then spent the next 45 minutes asking myself the same question as above. Whatever one may think of the band from their name and cover art, what we have here is a masterpiece of modern melodic metal. Audio Porn has been formed by singer/ songwriter Azriel St. Michael and drummer Byron Black, both former Jezebels Kiss members, and Hydrogyn guitarist/producer Jeff Westlake. One thing that is really strange though is that as Jezebels Kiss, Azriel and Byron recorded ‘Positive Hostility’ in 2009, and this 2012 album is effectively a re-recording of that album with the same artwork.
So, no idea why that happened, but if it hadn’t I wouldn’t now be listening to this, and it really is a masterclass in modern metal with a hint of the Eighties. There is no doubt that this has been aimed at rock radio, but there is still an honesty about the proceedings that allows them to get away with it. If you want a ballad, or a ballsy rocker, all with great vocals and a strong production then it is all here. It may not be breaking any new ground, but if you just want a fine melodic album that proves that you can still have balls yet concentrate on melody then this will be of interest to you. For more details and videos etc visit the site at www.audiopornmusic.com. Now if only they could change the name…
