Before there was a Gene Simmons, before there was a Blackie Lawless, before there was a Dee Snider, before there was a Marilyn Manson or a Rob Zombie there was Alice Cooper. The true originator of "Shock Rock," Alice is as legendary as you get. Now, 30 years after his dayview, Alice brings us the darkest, heaviest album of his glorious career, Brutal Planet. A mind-blowing concept album with a pessimistic and futuristic theme, Brutal Planet also marks a reunion with former cohorts Bob Marlette (who handles guitars, bass, keys and production) and Bob Ezrin (who serves as an executive producer).

What drives Brutal Planet is the sheer strength of the songs, which are well written, catchy and very heavy. Proof of this is "Sanctuary" which is a fast rocker that will refuse to leave your head. Now, Alice's forté has never been his singing ability, but he sounds as good as he's ever sounded, just check out the title track, and the ironic, yet beautiful "Take It Like A Woman" which also proves that Alice pulled no punches on this epic. Guitars are handled in appropriate fashion by Marlette, China, Phil X, and Ryan Roxie, Bass is handled by Marlette and former KISS drummer Eric Singer heavily pounds the skins. All in all a great backup band for a truly great artist.

Brutal Planet is a collection of well thought-out rants by a surprisingly socially and ecologically conscious Alice Cooper, and I must say that in his own unique way, he is totally right. But it's also a catchy, furious, fist-pumping Heavy Metal album that is a top candidate for album of the year. Go pick up Brutal Planet, for it definitely belongs in your collection.

Shred Pick - Wicked Young Man (3:50)

Reviewed by Henry Bocanegra

Check out Alice's Lair at alicecoopershow.com
Also, check out Alice Cooperstown
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