Halfway To Hell”, the brand new release by Alabama-based rockers Lynam, is an EP that will take you on one heck of an enjoyable rock’n’roll ride. This is six excellent tracks of sleazed up, hard and riffy, hot and sweet rock with a good shot of 1980s goodness poured all over it, set ablaze by some real song-writing skills and scorching good guitar and vocals. And while Lynam is a new acquaintance to me, the band has been around since 2002, releasing three albums on their own before making their debut on a major label in 2006 with “Slave To The Machine”. Adding some intrigue to the band’s back-story is that front man Jacob Bunton left Lynam in 2012 to work with ex-GNR drummer Steven Adler. Bunton sang on Adler’s debut album and was set to tour with that band, before those plans foundered and Steven Adler headed back to rehab. Afterward, Bunton returned to Lynam bringing Lonny Paul, who had also worked with Adler, with him. Whatever all this upheaval meant at the time, it’s clear from this EP that Lynam is a band in its prime. First track “Rise Up” grabs hold of you instantly, with a hard throb and kick, a fabulous chorus that makes you want to pump your fist in the air, and the guitars just screaming and wailing perfectly. Title track “Halfway To Hell” brings on more guitar goodness, and an irresistible melody pumped up by thick and powerful riffs, the bass throbbing below, the drums rocking all out. lynam “Dead Man’s Parade” keeps it rolling – it’s a hard and heavy rocker with a darker vibe and a hint of some great organ playing peeking through. After that comes my favorite track on this EP: “Cold”, a tune that is just so damn catchy, and perfectly blends that hint of pop sweetness with a good measure of hundred-proof rock. Every time I listen to this tune I love it a little more – it just has that special something, that 1980s sound flashing through, that makes it perfect. The final two tracks keep the rock’n’roll fires burning brightly with the fast and rough “Store Bought Halo”, and final track “Wrong Side of the Grave” – a dark and heavy tune that starts off with a roar and a scream, riding an almighty kick-ass riff, and blessed with a groove about a mile deep. This EP is a flashy, catchy, and addictive rock’n’roll concoction that goes down smooth and still knocks you out. Its only flaw is that there are not more than six tracks. “Halfway To Hell” is the good stuff – get it, turn it on, and crank it up
