Album Review: Phil Campbell - Old Lions Still Roar
Reviewed by Carl Black
Phil Campbell plays rock and roll. He has done for many years as the guitarist with Motorhead. So much so he is ingrained in the DNA of Motorhead just as much as Philthy Animal or Fast Eddie.
This album, by and large, is a tribute to the great man who fronted Motorhead. Guest singers providing vocals to the songs written by Phil Campbell. It reminded me of a good wedding speech, it will have you crying in the aisles one minute, like a baby just taken off its mother's tit, then it will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter the next.
The opening song 'Rocking Chair' is where the tears come. A very tender sentimental and sincere acoustic song played beautifully on a steel barrel guitar using a load of slide work. Anyone surprised by this needs to dig out Inferno by Motorhead and checkout Whorehouse Blues to know this is in his armoury.
Rob Halford, Dee Schneider, Whitfield Crane and Alice Cooper all sing supply vocals. The pitch by each of the singers managers must have gone something like this...
"I have an opportunity for you to guest on a guitarist album..."
"I not doing it, I'm either getting drunk, writing songs, counting my money or playing golf..."
"It's a great opportunity showcasing the best of metal vocalists from the last few decades..."
"I'm still not going to do it, I'm not interested..."
"Its for Phil Campbell..."
"What time is the studio booked I'm there."
My favourite track is the Nick Oliveri tune, 'Walk the Talk' with it's filthy, dirty riff. The kind that Campbell's been knocking out for years. The serial nudie bass player sounds like a cross between Phil Lynott and Phil Anselmo, absolutely brilliant.
Phil Campbell is still playing live with his band the Bastard Sons and I do hope that some of these songs are performed live when he hits the road next month. They deserves to be played in the live arena.
His name is Phil Campbell, and he plays rock and roll... don't forget him.
Phil Campbell releases 'Old Lions Still Roar' via Nuclear Blast on October 25th
