Review RICKY WARWICK “Blood Ties”

Ricky Warwick is a well-known and respected name in rock and metal. The singer and guitarist started his rock band The Almighty in the late 80s with albums such as the phenomenal “Soul Destruction” in 1991. In 2010, Warwick joined the legendary Thin Lizzy and later became a founding member of Black Star Riders. In addition to all this, Warwick has also released solo albums, and it is the 2025 record “Blood Ties” that has just hit the shelves.

“Blood Ties” contains eleven songs, all an ode to hard rocking music, starting with the gently grooving “Angel of Desolation.” A blistering guitar and Warwick’s raspy vocals spread the spirit of rock and roll, while it’s the melody that immediately connects you to the opener.

The singer and guitarist also invited some guests, the first of whom appears on the rousing “Rise and Grind”. None other than Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) joins Warwick on this straight up rocker.
“Don’t Leave Me in the Dark” is more of a half-ballad that Warwick recorded with Lita Ford. It is a soulful moment on the album that goes straight to the heart without following well-worn paths. It is certainly a good song, but the album has more to offer. The great moments of the album are the ones where the spirit of rock takes over. One such track is called “The Hell of Me and You”. It is Billy Duffy from The Cult who joins Ricky Warwick and it is a very fruitful collaboration as the song finds the sweet spot of catchiness and heaviness. The song has an addictive vibe that makes you want to tap your foot.

Generally speaking, the second half of ‘Blood Ties’ has more of a dynamic rock feel, which can also be found in “Crocodile Tears” before “Wishing Your Life Away” is a hard-hitting rocker that brings you closer to the finish line of this album. “The Town That Didn’t Stare” is the final track on the album. Driven by a solid beat, the song is another example of why rock music is such a beautiful thing to enjoy. Well-crafted melodies and a lot of authentic street cred is what the song, but also the whole album, represents.

“Blood Ties”, especially its second half, is an adrenaline kick that has the potential to turn a lazy Sunday into a rock and roll party.

“Blood Ties contains great songs that cover the whole spectrum of rock music. From more mellow moments to rock’n’roll beasts, every track on this album has a solid street vibe. This is music with a dirt under the fingernails. Although the production is great, there are still some rougher edges that this type of music has to have. Nothing is polished on this album and yet it shines brightly. Combined with a rather positive mentality, the album is a great addition to Warwick’s already impressive musical career. Fans of honest and authentic rock music will love this album.