Artist: MOLLY HATCHET
Album: JUSTICE (CD)

Release date: 2010
Media type: CD

To Bobby Ingram, brain, guitarist and main songwriter of American Southern rock act Molly Hatchet, the term ‘justice’ is more than just a word. To him, this basic concept expresses his whole philosophy of life. Justice, fairness, trust between friends, family members, parents and their children: what could be more important? Molly Hatchet live this maxim, to them this solemn promise applies not only within the international Southern rock community, but also to their music and its impact on their fans. Yet Ingram saves himself any kind of self-assessment, leaving the verdict on his latest offering, Justice, to his audience. “Have we evolved as a band? Have we become better? Stronger? These are questions that everybody should answer for themselves when they have listened to our new album. I’m sure that the clarification of this matter will turn out in our favour.”

Ingram’s confidence, his joy and his pride in the new material on Justice are warranted. A dozen haunting rock numbers prove that Molly Hatchet are justly considered to be on a par with legends such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers. Justice is marked by hot Southern rock that could hardly be more powerful and diverse. Almost every single track signals its musical and thematic direction. As frontman Phil McCormack unmistakably sings on ‘American Pride’: “Got that American pride with that southern style, born and bred something deep inside.” And the title track goes, pretty much representative of the whole album: “We need some Justice to make the wrong into right.”

At the same time, Molly Hatchet don’t just broadcast these kinds of phrases, they fill them with altruistic commitment, the most impressive example being ‘Fly On Wings Of Angels (Somer’s Song)’, which is based on a true story. Molly Hatchet have dedicated this haunting track to seven-year-old Somer Thompson from Florida, who was abused and brutally murdered. Without a second’s hesitation, Ingram and the band supported Somer’s parents when they needed help, played a charity concert to raise money and informed the public about the tragic events. As a listener, you can’t help but be moved when you hear Somer’s sister Abby Thompson sing at the beginning and end of the track. “Coincidentally, a few days ago a prime suspect was arrested,“ Ingram says. “The indications are that he killed her. But we will be fair and not prematurely judge him until all questions have been answered. That’s also part of true justice.“

There are so many exciting aspects to discover on an album which presents Ingram, McCormick, Dave Hlubek (guitar), Tim Lindsey (bass), Shawn Beamer (drums), John Galvin (keyboards) at the pinnacle of their creativity. Molly Hatchet have recorded a true masterpiece; not only in terms of their compositions, but also in terms of its production, Justice leaves nothing to be desired. Producer Ingram is responsible for the awesome sound, supported by sound engineer Tommy Newton, who mixed the album. “I wanted a warm, natural sound, which you only get with an analogue mixing desk,” Ingram explains his decision in favour of Newton and his Area 51 studio. And so Justice has turned into an album which impresses at all levels: earthy, dynamic, with a lot of love for detail and loads of energy. You could say: Molly Hatchet at their best!

TRACKLIST:

01. Been To Heaven Been To Hell 04:33
02. Safe In My Skin 04:32
03. Deep Water 05:36
04. American Pride 04:01
05. Iґm Gonna Live `Til I Die 08:27
06. Fly On Wings Of Angels (Somers Song) 08:03
07. As Heaven Is Forever 04:46
08. Tomorrows And Forevers 05:22
09. Vengeance 05:22
10. In The Darkness Of The Night 05:03
11. Justice 08:39

Running time: 01:05:47

LINE-UP:

Phil McCormack - vocals
Bobby Ingram - guitars
Dave Hlubek - guitars
Tim Lindsey - bass
John Galvin - keyboards
Shawn Beamer - drums