Operator – Soulcrusher (Release Year – 2007)
If you are a regular visitor to the Hard Rock Hideout, you have seen a few news articles lately regarding the up and coming band, Operator.
I first heard about these guys, as they were on the road with Hard Rock Hideout favorite, Black Stone Cherry.
Once I heard the debut single and title track Soulcrusher, I was immediately hooked. Singer Johnny Strong has a powerful set of pipes, and has a style quite similar to former Soundgarden front man, Chris Cornell.
I am sure even mentioning the name Soundgarden will send a lot of 80’s hard rock fans scurrying away from this release, but you really ought to give Operator a chance. This isn’t a grunge band, nor is this music even remotely in the grunge style. This is an excellent L.A. 5 piece band that totally kicks ass. This is a release that sounds nothing like the newer bands that are on the radio today. This isn’t nu-metal, nor is this a Nickelback sound-a-like band. One listen to Soulcrusher, and I think you will be hooked.
The sound on this record is greatly augmented by a two axe attack of Paul Phillips (ex-Puddle of Mudd) and Rikki Lixx. Johnny Strong’s voice is an impressive instrument all by itself. The rest of band is rounded out by a solid rhythm section of Wade Carpenter on bass, and Dorman Pantfoeder (Love Arcade) on drums.
Soulcrusher has a good mix of heavy head banging tunes, and dynamic, soulful rockers.
I’ve listened to this a few times now, and each time my reaction is pretty much the same…..”Wow, this record is f***ing great!” I will go so far as saying that Operator is the best new band that I have heard in 2007. Soulcrusher ought to make Operator a household name!
Soulcrusher will find itself amongst my top releases in 2007. DO NOT miss out on this excellent, must own record!
If the first three songs haven’t made you a fan, head to your nearest drugstore and buy a replacement battery for your Miracle Ear. You can check out Operator at their website, and at their myspace page here.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Soulcrusher
2. Nothing To Lose
3. Make ‘Em Pay
4. So Little Time
5. Delicate
6. What You Get
7. The Only One
8. Burn Up The Road
9. Black Cloud
10. Good Enough
11. Live Your Way
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4 years later and I’m posting because Johnny Strong is a real bad ass actor, singer, and fighter. Try to find something about him on the net, you don’t because Johnny don’t pose. See “Sinners & Saints” if you want to see a bad mf movie with Strong acting :)
what are the lyrics to make ‘em pay?
Stop back and tell us about that Airbourne show BlackStarr!
Ho-hum. Another clone band. What is it with bands and record companies these days? Where is the originality? Why would we want to hear another Chris Cornell when we already have the Original? The only thing I heard different in this band was the guitar tone. Unfortunately, I will have to sit through this band at an upcoming Korn, 6 A.M., and Airbourne concert. GET A NEW FRONTMAN, OPERATOR!!!
Wow, he does sound like Chris Cornell. I’ll never understand why people who like metal don’t like Soundgarden just because of the grunge label. Like Alice in Chains, they’re on the metal side of the genre and are definitely more of a metal band than that glammy crap that they displaced.
The vid for Soulcrusher that was released as part of a video game promotion was just incredible….almost makes us want to by a gameboy…..or whatever the kids play vid games on now….
Great band!