After 30 some odd years in the biz, one might think the well had run dry…
but Alice Cooper continues to shock-and-rock with what very well could
be his greatest album ever.
Bob Ezrin returns to take the helm as executive producer. Bob Marlette
produces, adds his musical ability, and co-writes with Alice on every
track. Heavy guitar riffs, (China adds his touch) and blistering drum
work (Eric Singer is back with the Coop), lend themselves perfectly to
Alice's raspy rant. Ryan Roxie continues once again to contribute his
guitar grinding on the latest to the Cooper Collection.
No one is safe from Alice's poetic, post apocalyptic vision of our world.
Once we are introduced to the "Brutal Planet" title track- the listener
is told "Over there we filled the ovens…" while and angel sings
contradictions from above (Natalie Delaney). Alice plays social
commentary to an extreme, which only he could execute with such amazing
lyrical confrontation. Kids blowing up schools, racism, starvation, war,
murder, greed and gluttony. He even pulls off what should be another
hit ballad, this time about spousal abuse with "Take It Like A Woman"
(string arrangement worth mentioning by Eva King). Overall, this album
weaves a scary web of melodic mastery in the listener's psyche, each
track keeps you yearning for the next.
Old fans should find this album a fresh approach with an updated musical style from the man who helped shape music today. New listeners probably will have a hard time believing this guy is as old as their parents, and won't be able to rid their minds of his infectious riffs.
Put all other metal releases on the shelf this year. Alice Cooper should finally be up for his Grammy with "Brutal Planet."
