Halestorm 10th Anniversary - Halestorm

If you happened to have read my last post regarding Appetite v Van Halen, you may have noted my affinity for self-titled debut records. So it only seemed fitting to talk about a certain debut record that celebrates its 11th birthday this month. The debut record from Philly-based rock band Halestorm was unleashed upon the world on April 28th, 2009, and in the years since it has the ability to leave listeners with hearts in their eyes, magic in their ears, and for some, their dicks in their hands. Just this past holiday season, the band, which is composed of singer-songwriter-guitarist-pianist-bicon-rock goddess Lzzy Hale, her little brother Arejay on drums, guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bassist Josh Smith, celebrated the 10th anniversary of their debut record with a special anniversary edition release, which included the entire debut album in all its glory, along with a second disc of previously-unreleased demos. It also came with a beautiful full-color poster and heart-felt letter from Lzzy herself. The new artwork and colored vinyl were a nice touch for collectors, as well.

Now if you're half the fan I am, you were probably thrilled at the news of this release and preordered your copy as soon as humanly possible. If you would believe it, my preorder arrived at my house on the day of a holiday party I was invited to, and I arrived over an hour late because I had to get a taste of those unreleased tracks. I was only expecting an EPs worth of unheard material, so imagine my excitement when I found that Lzzy and the boys were giving us 12 new (or should I say old?) tracks to enjoy. All 12 of these demos were recorded in the years before their first album was initially released, so many of them sound right at home being packaged along with a remastered edition of that record. The tracks are all very early-Halestorm, and I mean that in the best way possible. They have all the charm and young hunger that their early EPs had, such as "(Don't Mess With) The Time Man," but they left out all the campiness and cringe that came with those early EPs, such as "(Don't Mess With) The Time Man."

Part of the charm that I truly love about these demos is how they feature the rhythm section moreso than some of their newer releases. While I do appreciate the face-melting riffs and impressive prowess of dueling guitarists Lzzy and Joe, it is really nice to have them cool down a bit and let Arejay and Josh keep the groove chugging along. "Who Do You Love?" does this exceptionally well, as it was damn-near impossible for me to write this and listen to it simultaneously without moving with that bass. The record isn't without its slow songs, either. And while it's no secret by now that I don't care much for slow songs, mellow tracks like "The Proposition" and hot-and-cold tracks like "Annabelle" remind fans that Lzzy can sing a beautiful melody.

Now if you're anything at all like me, you'll listen to this record and find yourself wondering, "How the hell did this not make it onto the debut album, but (INSERT LEAST FAVORITE SONG FROM HALESTORM HERE) did? This song is waaaay better than that one!" Well don't be like me. Don't me disappointed because you didn't get these songs sooner, be thrilled that they exist and you have them now.

Halestorm 10th Anniversary - Halestorm
4 - 28 - 2009

DISC 1

1. It's Not You

2. I Get Off

3. Bet U Wish U Had Me Back

4. Innocence

5. Familiar Taste Of Poison

6. I'm Not An Angel

7. What Were You Expecting?

8. Love/Hate Heartbreak

9. Better Sorry Than Safe

10. Dirty Work

11. Nothing To Do With Love

DISC 2

1. Hero (Reluctant Hero)

2. Not Afraid Of Losin'

3. Ride Or Die

4. Gypsy Grifter

5. Who Do You Love?

6. The Proposition

7. Tired Of Trying

8. Annabelle

9. Everyone Dies (Heaven Isn't Where We Belong)

10. Coming Back To Me

11. Not For Today

12. Still Breathing

Favorite Tracks New/Old: It's Not You / Still Breathing

Least Favorite Tracks New/Old: Better Sorry Than Safe / Everyone Dies

Rating: 7.8 & 6.6  -  Avg: 7.2