Disco de Strung Out: “BlackHawks Over Los Angeles”

Let's get one thing straight. I said this was an amazing album. By no means is it their best. It will just simply hold a truth that Strung Out is one of the greatest punk bands to ever exist.

What makes Blackhawks Over Los Ageles so different is that Jake Kiley (the Guitarist) and Chris Aiken (the Bassist) switched roles during the recording process. For those of you that don't get it, Chris wrote guitar parts for Jake and Jake wrote bass parts for Chris. It gave this particular album a different edge while still retaining their signature sound.

Now, after eight prior albums and an EP, they've come a long way and sculpted their sound out of stone (Much like the band CKY; Their sound is unmistakable, as well). Any time you here Strung Out's music, you will know that somebody is playing it near you...and now its time to MOSH!

For those lucky enough to order the Pre-Sale package, with the CD came a bonus track: "More than Words". As of yet, I'm unsure if future CDs will have this bonus track. Also included in the package was a T-Shirt with their Album Logo, and under it the words "Strung Out Till Death" are found.

In 13 tracks (or 12), Strung Out puts a fist in the face of anyone who thought they were out of ideas. They've surprised a few devoted fans with a new twist, but kept that "Strung Out" sound that we all love and need in our lives...for better or for worse.

This is the Strung Out CD that I keep coming back to. I really like Twisted By Design second best but seriously I think this just has more energy and better songwriting. The guitar work is seriously astronomical and I consider it to still be classic California punk.

I've been listening to Strung Out since their "Twisted by Design" cd came out and then I bought almost all of their cds and that is something to say considering that I live in Argentina, where most of my fav bands cds aren't edited, being SO one of them.

Since "Elements of Sonic Defiance", SO hasn't put out an album which could match that effort until this new record. "Blackhawks.." sounds much more better than "American Paradox" and "Exile in Oblivion" together. Their composition has gotten a lot better and this time it really feels like they have put an effort in making a true record and not just a bunch of punk-metal songs. Not only the songs sound much more better but you can also listen clearly to guitar solos and the drumming does really blow your head off.

I know that this review may go against what most of people think of this cd, but well, this is just an opinion. Don't take it personal.

I was pleasantly surprised when i first listened to this album. I wasn't sure what direction Strung Out was going to go with this album, but they sure hit it right on. In my opinion it is their best release since Element of Sonic Definace. Since i'm bored his is my ratings of each song.

1. Calling (10/10) Great intro, fast song, awesome solo at the end.

2. Blackhawks over Los Angeles (9/10) Another stand out track.

3. Party in the Hills (10/10) Awesome song. Jordan is a master at the drums.

4. All the Nations (9/10) Poppier song, but i love the chorus.

5. A War called Home (9/10) Another great upbeat song.

6. Letter Home (10/10) Awesome song, i love the lyrics.

7. Orchid (10/10) Great song, reminds me of Razor Sex.

8. Dirty Little Secret (8/10) I just can't seem to get into this song as much as the others.

9. Downtown (10/10) Didn't like this song when i first heard the demo, but the studio version rocks.

10. The King has left the Building (10/10) The song reminds me of a bunch of their old songs mixed together, the ending rules.

11. Mission statement (10/10) Probably my favorite song on the album, Rob and Jake play excellent on this track.

12. Diver (10/10) Another great closing track by Strung Out. They seem to have mastered this with all of their albums.

13. More than Words (10/10) (Bonus song on limited copies) Glad they put this on the album.

14. Novella (8/10)(exclusive itunes track) A strong song but doesn't stand out like the other tracks.

I've read alot of other reviews for this album and I can't disagree more with alot of people. This album is amazing for the most part. I am guessing that alot of people didn't like it because there are some bad songs on it, which is true, we have been spoiled by strung out album after album where every song is great, with the exception of american paradox. I guess my style and what I like is just different from most, I love all of their most intense fastest songs when most people think those are the worst ones. I love ice burn, razor sex, lucifermotorcade, and for this album its orchid, the song is frinkin amazing!!! In contrast everyone seems to love mission statement which to me was just ok, kinda bland. I think the best songs on here are calling, blackhawks, orchid, war called home, and diver. All the fast ones, but the rest are pretty good too. The only reason i don't give it 5 stars is because not every song is great. I think american paradox is their worst album and I would still give that one 4 out 5 stars for the same reason, about half the album is amazing, the other half not so much, plus it has the worst song they have ever written in alien amplifier. The first two songs are worth the price of the album alone, its like getting punched in the face and then kicked when youre down, amazing!! As a whole its not as good as STWB, TBD, or Exile which would all be 5 out of 5, but for people to say it sucks, I think they need to give it another listen, at least the hard songs. I dont see how anyone that likes TBD could not like the fast songs on this album as well. I know I already mentioned it but Orchid... wow again, I think its the climax of the whole rock genre to this day, that songs rips, it gives me chills, the musicianship is unparalleled, but its still melodic, love it! Anyway I've heard the new album too, sounds great, can't give it a review yet but reminds me alot of Exile which is awesome cause most agree that is their most complete album. Black Crosses will blow you away. Anyway, I'm done rambling, go rock!