Adrenaline Mob – Omertà (2012)
I have to admit that I had no idea what to expect from the band, Adrenaline Mob. I figured the music would be good with Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and Russell Allen (Symphony X) involved. I have been a fan of Portnoy’s and Allen’s music for quite some time (I am still waiting for another Allen/Lande record). The real X Factor and surprise of Adrenaline Mob, is guitarist Mike Orlando. I knew nothing of Mr. Orlando prior to Adrenaline Mob. Needless to say, I am extremely impressed with his guitar work on this album. The music style ranges from modern hard rock to more classic styles (sorry, no prog rock here). There are some blood pumping hard rockers and a couple of slower numbers. Every song rocks and the riffs of Mike Orlando really make this album. Of course, Mike Portnoy’s drums are excellent, and Russell Allen’s vocals are top-notch, but it is Orlando’s fret work that really surprised me.
The opening number “Undaunted” (see video below) has a very modern feel that sounds like a blend of Godsmack and Disturbed. This is a heavy tune, and deserves a place on rock radio everywhere.
The next two tracks “Psychosane” and “Indifferent” are amongst my favorites on Omertà. “Psychosane” is a pretty catchy headbanger. When Orlando cuts loose on this song, look out! There are some impressive riffs on this tune. I liked the use of the voice coder too.
“Indifferent”isn’t quite as heavy as “Undaunted” or “Psychosane”, but it still a great song, and ought to be released as a single by Adrenaline Mob.
While “All On The Line” is one of the slower songs on Omertà, it might be the best song I have heard in 2012. This ought to be a huge hit for Adrenaline Mob.
The lyrics on “Feelin’ Me” are kind of silly (The main lyric is “Are you mother fuckers Feeeeeeeeeeeeelin Me”), but I still don’t dislike this song. It still rocks.
I have to admit that I am not a big fan of the Duran Duran song “Come Undone”. This song has been covered by far too many bands already, and I didn’t like it that much when Duran Duran did it. Adrenaline Mob’s version of this cover features the monster vocals of Lzzy Hale (from Halestorm). While this version is pretty cool, I still don’t love this song. Lzzy’s vocals do make it listenable though.
“Believe Me” is another song that falls into that modern hard rock style. It is Mike Orlando’s riffs that takes this song up a couple notches. If it wasn’t for his riffs, this song might get lost in a sea of modern rock sound alike tunes that you hear on most FM rock radio stations.
Another stand out tune is “Angel Sky”. This song has it all. Big riffs, big vocals, and yet it is probably the least heavy of all of the songs on Omertà. Russell Allen’s vocals truly shine on “Angel Sky”.
The bottom line – Omertà is easily one of the best hard rock releases this year, will easily find its way into my top 10 at the end of 2012. Don’t miss this!
You can pick up a copy of Omertà at this link!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Undaunted
02. Psychosane
03. Indifferent
04. All On The Line
05. Hit The Wall
06. Feelin’ Me
07. Come Undone
08. Believe Me
09. Down To the Floor
10. Angel Sky
11. Freight Train
Adrenaline Mob is:
Russell Allen – vocals
Mike Portnoy – drums
Mike Orlando – guitars, bass
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Unfortunately, after supposedly “com(ing) to the conclusion that the [Dream Theater] machine was starting to burn me out”, MP and Friends have decided to make a Post Nü-Metal album in the veins of Disturbed, Godsmack, Staind and other “2nd Tier” bands of the genre. The music isn’t bad, per say, but the first thing that will come to your mind is “Haven’t I heard these riffs/grooves/vocals before?” However, the lyrical content and Portnoy’s Backing Vocals ARE truly bad (as any Dream Theater fan can tell by his growing Vocals on their last several albums with them before leaving) and ruin quite a few potentially quality songs.
Just such a killer band! I want to join the band!!