Riddle of Steel - 1985

This year already seems to be kicking off on a great note. First their was the excellent Thinking Machines record in which I posted about mid last week and now I am happy to be posting about a new record from one of my absolute favorite bands currently making music right now, Riddle of Steel. Those of you out there that have been following the blog for awhile (and as always, I greatly appreciate it!) might remember me writing about their previous album Got This Feelin’ sometime mid last year. To recap, Riddle of Steel is a three piece from St. Louis, Missouri that has a certain expertise in producing some fine Midwestern rock n’ roll. Everything is there, big hooks and enough catchy riffing to leave your head spinning. If rock radio didn’t have their balls completely snipped, then a band like Riddle of Steel would in my mind undoubtedly rule the airwaves.

Anyway, on to the new record, which is simply titled 1985. I really don’t know what that title is supposed to reference, but in the end it really doesn’t matter. On their third full-length, which features Paul Malinowski behind the boards, Riddle of Steel hasn’t shied away any from what made their last album so damn likeable. It’s just ridiculously catchy, but at the same time rocks hard being fueled by the power of seventies classic rock like Zeppelin, etc and a hint of progressive rock thrown in for good measure. And of course Andrew Elstner’s vocals play a vital role in the success of this band with a voice that was destined for a sound like this. Songs like “Who’s The Fella Own’s This Shithole” and “Plenty of Satisfaction” are definitely up there with some of the best material the band has written. Definitely check this out and any of their past albums for those out there that want something guaranteed to get you nodding your head, and possibly more.

Riddle of Steel – Who’s the Fella Own’s This Shithole [MP3]
Riddle of Steel – Quiet Now [MP3]

For those looking to pick this up, that can be done over at Ascetic Records. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting until March 11th to get the album when it is actually set to be released in stores. Either way, definitely do it if the tunes above are to your fancy. There’s plenty more to like. Also, if you get a chance to see them live, they're excellent and super nice guys as well.