Review MICHAEL MONROE “Outerstellar”

A consistently reliable source of top-tier rock music is Michael Monroe. Born in Helsinki, the charismatic frontman first gained widespread attention when he joined the legendary Hanoi Rocks in 1980. Alongside his band work, Monroe also launched a solo career, releasing his debut album “Peace of Mind” in 1996.

Thirty years later, Monroe returns with “Outerstellar”, his 13th studio album, featuring twelve tracks. As expected, the latest studio effort delivers high-octane rock’n’roll, something already evident when the lead single “Rockin’ Horse” was unveiled. The track also opens the album and perfectly encapsulates Monroe’s signature style: hard rock infused with sleaze elements and a darker edge. It’s a roaring kickoff and a clear sign of what this 44-minute journey has in store.

Up next is “Shinola,” a lively hard rock number driven by a strong melody. Its roots date back to 2020, when the first ideas took shape, eventually evolving into a song that celebrates the raw power of rock music. The upbeat “Pushin’ Me Back” reaches even further into the past, originating from “one Man Gang”-sessions in 2018/2019. The track strikes an effective balance between restrained moments and a punchy, powerful chorus. Monroe has an exceptional instinct for blending different rock subgenres with an anarchic punk attitude – a defining element throughout the album.

That punk spirit comes through clearly on tracks like “Black Cadillac,” a song that doubles as a tribute to New York City and punk icon Johnny Thunders, who famously lived in his black Cadillac at the time.

The album boasts a strong, gritty sound. While many songs are melodic, none drift into over-polished, sugary territory. Instead, each track carries a dirt-under-the-fingernails authenticity that serves as a unifying thread. Even the semi-ballad “Glitter & Dust” follows this approach, highlighting the album’s range while radiating a deep love for rock music with every note.

Both musically powerful and thematically clear, “Disconnected” stands out as a rousing rock anthem that underlines the importance of live shows—those rare moments that truly connect people—while pointing out how technology often divides rather than unites us.

The album closes with “One More Sunrise,” a song that grew into a seven-minute epic and the longest track on the record. It’s a superb finale and a fitting highlight of the twelve-song tracklist.

‘Outerstellar’ captures one of rock’s true greats at the height of their powers. Fueled by decades of experience yet sounding fresh and vibrant, the album marks another impressive chapter in Michael Monroe’s career. It proves once again that great rock music has nothing to do with age – it’s all about passion and an authentic mindset.