The new Fireball Ministry record Remember the Story bursts out of the gate sounding like an old school hardcore rock and roll band ready for a stadium of full of head banging metal heads with their track “End of Our Truth”. In fact, the majority of the tracks on this first record in nearly seven years are reminiscent of some big bands of the past with heavy guitar riffs such as AC/DC and Blue Oyster Cult.
The track “Stop Talking” emphasizes this point by not having any lyrics at all and focusing on the technical prowess of James A. Rota and Emily Burton who share guitar duty (as well as some vocals). The bass is handled by Scott Reeder, new to the band since their last recording. Rounding out this quartet from LA is John Oreshnick on drums who demonstrates his forceful beats on “The Answer” and “Back on Earth”. Both of these tunes have an intense faced paced fervor that makes you want to air guitar along with the band and were two of my personal favorites.
The final track on the record is a slowed downed version of Motorhead’s “I Don’t Believe a Word”. The production credits go to Paul Fig who has also worked with Alice and Chains and more recently Ghost. This record makes me want to look for Fireball Ministry on the road. Fortunately, they have some scheduled dates for late April/early May with Clutch and Red Fang. I will be ready to raise my horns to their classic sounds and heavy riffs!