Review SOCIAL DISTORTION “Born to Kill”

Social Distortion is closely connected to my ‘extended’ youth. In 1992, Mike Ness and his bandmates released the mind-blowing “Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell” album, which included the classic song “Cold Feelings”. This mix of punk, rock and country results in thunderous songs.

In 2011, Social Distortion unveiled their latest studio effort, “Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes”, and fans had to wait many years for a follow-up release. Although the band played shows in recent years, it was, amongst other things, Ness’s health struggles that led to the postponement of a new album’s release. Now, the wait is finally over.

Fifteen years after launching “Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes”, Social Distortion is back with a new offering. If it were yesterday, the band connects with previous releases and delivers a record that is vivid and fully in line with their trademark sound.

The songs on “Born to Kill” are often highly personal, with Ness reflecting on his youth in Fullerton in “The Way Things Were”, not to forget the title track. “Born to Kill”, the song, sums up the band’s forty-year career perfectly and is a sonic treat too. The title track is the perfect opener for the album. Raw and rebellious, it immediately proves that Social Distortion haven’t lost any of their punch. After all these years, we are listening to a band that is still passionate and clearly enjoying what they do. Under Mike Ness’s leadership, Social Distortion have recorded a superb album featuring eleven songs. Regardless of where you drop the needle, each of these tunes is a delight for the ears and a thrilling experience. Every song reveals its brilliance immediately, which is also thanks to the carefully crafted melodies. Check out ‘Tonight’ with its addictive melodies and great swing. Although lyrically reflecting on the loss of some of the most important things in life, the songs don’t drown in self-pity. Instead, there is a positive spirit, a vibe of rebuilding rather than giving up.

Mike Ness and his band have recorded a highly versatile album with some unexpected twists. There’s the smoothly rocking “Crazy Dreamer” which creates a sense of ease, before a cover version adds a new dimension to the album.

Social Distortion have already covered “Ring of Fire”, and this time they have interpreted a song from Chris Isaak. “Wicked Games” is Issak’s hit, and Social Distortion’s version is just as brilliant. While not straying too far from the original, the emotional intensity is even stronger.

A powerful beat and grooving riff kick off “Never Going Back Again”, which remains the main theme throughout the track. This electrifying anthem is a standout track on the album, showcasing the band’s rock ‘n’ roll thunder. The album concludes with a vibrant finale in the form of “Over You”, rounding off a superb new record from Social Distortion.

Fifteen years after launching their latest album, Mike Ness and his band have returned with a strong and striking new record. This highly anticipated new release from Social Distortion shows that the band has lost none of its impressive musical spirit. Referring to the band’s earlier days, this album is also their most mature release to date. It is an ode to rock music, driven by a rebellious spirit and total commitment.