Sergeant Steel – Mister Sippi (Metalapolis Records)
Wednesday, 28th June 2023
Up to a fifth studio album with Mister Sippi, Austrian band Sergeant Steel came on the scene in 2007, working over the years with renowned producers and musicians like Beau Hill, Michael Wagener, Mark Slaughter, and Kane Roberts. The sextet embraces a wide array of influences from the Sunset Strip 80’s hard rock movement on through to legends like Rainbow, Judas Priest, or Aerosmith – creating material that has memorable musical as well as vocal hooks. The title is a special wordplay on the American South and musical culture, where some southern rock influences infiltrate specific songs for this record. After a few spins, listeners can expect an entertaining good time vibe, proper musical chemistry and flashy spotlights against a strong cohesive songwriting platform that is infectious at any tempo.
The funky, bluesy swagger hits immediately for “Down to Mississippi”, a playful delivery from singer Phil Vanderkill given complimentary background harmony support in key chorus parts allowing the sultry guitar work and simplified groove to hit hard as if Aerosmith, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Lynch Mob all collided together. At other times driving riffs convey older Ozzy Osbourne/Judas Priest influences, “Please Me Tease Me” and “One Way Ticket to Hell” sure to elevate bodies in a metal context. Modern touches from keyboardist Ben Bateman keep “Caught in the Web” a second half favorite, as guitarists Jack Power and Chuck Boom lay down some sinister leads with tantalizing runs, bends, tapping, and squeals for good measure. The CD contains a bonus track, an unplugged rendition of “Cry Out Your Heart, Baby!” previously featured on the Men on a Mission album from 2013 – showcasing the special warmth of Phil’s voice against the softer guitars and 70’s-style keyboard action.
The cover art leaves little to the imagination over what you can expect with these contents. It’s very understandable how Sergeant Steel have become the favorite hard rock band of Austria – those into Whitesnake, Eclipse, and the already mentioned acts will dig Mister Sippi most.
