Band:	The Lizards
Album:	Rule
Style:	Blues rock
Release date:	January 03, 2005
A review by:	Dream Taster

01. Grip Of Love
02. It's Alright
03. Hungry World
04. The Battle Rages On
05. Wheel Of Fortune
06. Hard Luck Messiah
07. Burnin' Time
08. Pay The Band
09. The Rats And Us
10. Kingdom Come

The Lizards are something rare these days, an American super group of classic rock experts who enjoy blending all kinds of musical styles together such as rock, blues rock, funk and stoner. Their front-man is John Garner, former drummer/singer of the legendary 70s rock band Sir Lord Baltimore, which was the first band ever for which the term "Heavy Metal" was used in 1971. John has also been called the inventor of "Stoner Rock" and only after a few notes of this album, it becomes obvious that this guy opened the way for bands such as Queens Of The Stone Age and Spiritual Beggars. John Garner is a drummer/singer, however, another musician is behind the drum-kit, Bobby Rondinelli, currently with Blue Oyster Cult and former Black Sabbath as well as former Rainbow drummer. The line-up is completed by Patrick Klein [guitars, heavy bringer] and Randy Pratt [6-string bass, funk master]. Believe me, it's a hell of a combo! "Rule" is their second album, labeled Hyperspace Records, promoted by Glass Onyon Promotions and produced by Patrick Klein and Randy Pratt. The result is a well-rounded production with a terrific feel and a total delight.

"Professional" is the first adjective that fits the entire album. All these guys are true experienced musicians and they make sure you hear that, either in Rondinelli's drumming or in Garner's splendid voice, not to mention Klein's inspired solos nor Pratt's "hyper funky" bass lines. Garner has a quality of voice sometimes comparable to Elvis Presley's with a strength toping Joe Cocker's. If all of the above is not yet enough to convince you about The Lizards, they also use a touch of symphonic string instruments [violins and cellos] to embellish two of their songs, 'Grip Of Love' and 'Hungry World'. And I have to say that these two are my favorite tracks on the record, although it's hard to pick favorites since each track is a priceless piece of art.

Another great moment on "Rule" is the blues rock ballad called 'The Battle Rages On' on which every musician hit their notes perfectly. 'Wheel Of Fortune' is a funky blues masterpiece, totally wild creativity and I love that [well, who doesn't anyway?]. It's another absolute "must listen" on this album. Also, the bluesy 'Burnin' Time' can't be denied as one of the numerous excellent songs neither can't be the slower tune called 'The Rats And Us', almost hypnotic with its slow paced bass lines and the deep and intense voice of master Garner.

The cover of Sir Lord Baltimore's 'Kingdom Come' is definitely darker than the rest of the album, heading toward a Black Sabbath sound but you know what? It's also so heavy at its end that it is one of the highlights featured on "Rule". I told you this album is like a compilation of hits and I really mean it!

Where a lot of so-called "retro" bands failed to give a real identity to their music, The Lizards gathered the best of several old-fashioned trends to create a walking entity wandering in nowadays musical world as a terrific brand new thing known as "Rule". Metal is not all and if you want to widen your musical horizons, this album has it all. Blues rock is a marvel, classic rock is the base of everything, funk brings creativity and stoner rock? well, rocks. And that is why The Lizards truly rule. Highly recommended!