The band-guitarist Joe Hottinger, bassist Josh Smith, drummer Arejay Hale and singer/guitarist Lzzy Hale-churn out uncompromising rock-n-roll anthems on their self-titled Atlantic debut. Drawing from an arsenal of songs that she's penned since she was 13, Lzzy examines love and life on the edge while casting a hypnotic spell on listeners. Drawing from influences as diverse as Pat Benatar, Janis Joplin, and Metallica, she has a dark sensuality that's undeniable. She exudes that feeling on stage and in the studio, because she's not afraid to be herself. She laughs, "As a kid, when a lot of my friends were into Backstreet Boys, I attached myself to Alice Cooper, Cinderella, and Van Halen. I want to give the audience a ride and connect with them." In the end, that philosophy will ensure Halestorm's longevity. "This album has been a long time coming," says Lzzy. "There's been a lot of dirty work that went into making it. Creatively, we went to rock'n'roll college through the experience. It was crazy, raw, down and dirty.
By T Johnson