Michael Monroe – I live too fast to die young

Days have been busy lately for fans of glam rock heroes Hanoi Rocks. In 2021, bassist Sami Yaffa released his very versatile solo debut, earlier this year rhythm guitarist Jan “Nasty Suicide” Stenfors gave us a fine, blues-based record, and now it’s time for singer/stage-master Michael Monroe to release his latest solo effort. Or rather band effort, since the singer’s quick to mention Michael Monroe is today in fact a band.

Mike’s reasoning is fair, because all five members give their all in these high-energy singalong-friendly tunes. Furthermore, all five members receive equal billing for production, alongside main producer Erno “Error” Laitinen. Did I say “high-energy”? That is, give or take the two beautiful ballads which adorn the record. One of these – a melancholic ending theme called “Dearly departed” – easily qualifies among the album’s stand out tracks. Among other stand-outs, you’ll find the high-octane opener “Murder the summer of love”, the powerpop nostalgia of “Everbody’s nobody” and kick-ass rocker “Pagan prayer”  (think Anthrax and “Got the time”) .

Oh, and Guns n Roses guitarist Slash plays a solo on the record’s title tune, but that’s not very important on an album brimming with the quintet’s contagious playfulness. Be sure not to miss this rock n roll machine on tour!