12 Stones: Anthem for the Underdog Review by: Jeff Hightower

12 Stones: Anthem for the Underdog Isn’t it funny how 168 pounds can pack such a punch? Of course to better understand this, you have to convert pounds into another measurement, which is – 12 Stones. And we’re talking about their newest studio release “Anthem for the Underdog”. We first commercially heard the name 12 Stones when lead singer Paul McCoy shared guest vocals on Evanscence’s hit single “Bring Me To Life”. With the release of “Anthem” we get to hear what this band brings to the table. Bone crunching, head banging, set fire to the world type of rock-n-roll is what they play. Let’s take a closer look at “Anthem” and breakdown the album. The album in itself is a display of power and control. It hits you from the start with driving guitar and vocal from the title track “Anthem for the Underdog”. Followed up by “Lie to Me”, they have a huge commercial hit that should attract rave reviews. It’s everything a single should be. And just as strong to back it up our next track is “Broken Road” which shows a more human side of this rock beast. It’s epic, yet pure and simple. But don’t get these guys confused with softies, with the track “Adrenaline” they get their rock-on with this thundering song with a sound of 100% brass. It in itself, is a harness of angst. And why change things when they aren’t broken. “It Was You” is classic rock ballad with a hard edge. One of the most impressive track is “This Dark Day” which is very dark and power like the music that give superheroes their edge. It has punch and pain all at once. Like the rattlesnake, you hear the toned down opening of “World So Cold” and know that you are about to be bit with another signature rock sound that has made 12 stones so popular. “And with every angst album you need to bleed those thoughts of heartbreak and pain with such songs as “Arms of a Stranger”. “Hey Love” is a freakishly great song with excellent guitar tones and feel. They round out the trip hard and heavy. There’s no holding back when they muscle their way through an extremely driven “Games You Play”. And as an added bonus, they reward you with the stripped down acoustic version of “Lie To Me” which is the true way a band proves itself. They take a stripped down approach that pays off. It shows just how talented these guys are. And without a doubt Paul, Aaron, Eric, & Justin have plenty to be proud of with the release of “Anthem for the Underdog”. It is truly a great modern day rock-n-roll album that showcases every side of this versatile band. So now you can understand why 168 pounds is more than enough music to pack a powerful punch. 1. "Anthem for the Underdog" - 3:04 2. "Lie to Me" - 3:39 3. "Broken Road" - 4:00 4. "Adrenaline" - 3:21 5. "It Was You" - 3:33 6. "This Dark Day" - 3:22 7. "World So Cold" - 3:55 8. "Arms of a Stranger" - 3:16 9. "Hey Love" - 3:53 10. "Games You Play" - 2:57 11. "Lie to Me" (acoustic) - 3:50 From the nest… Hornetman

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