Halestorm Releases Mayhem In Spades

What do you do if you're Halestorm lead singer Lzzy Hale if you've grown weary of empowerment yarns like "I Am The Fire". You simply unleash your inner riot girl for a little scream fest called "Mayhem" Not a single thing artsy fartsy about this track. You shouldn't bother raising an eyebrow to the technical wizardry because that doesn't even come close to describing the purpose of "Mayhem". Lzzy, brother Arejay, and co-conspirators Joe Hottinger and Josh Smith simply let both barrels drain ammunition and see where that takes them. "Mayhem" revels in its title. Lzzy shrieks like someone stuck a hot tuning fork through her scalp. It gets more demonic in scope as it goes along. Joe doesn't understand boundaries. He plays the guitar as if he was given ample room to run, full on license to thrill. That my friends is what makes the electric guitar such a gratifying conduit for aggression and moxie. Drummer Arejay makes each drum lick matter for something. He gets to that level of consciousness where ego takes powder. He knows his own strength and doesn't mind hammering the point home to us. And bassist John Smith helps make "Mayhem" the magnificently psychotic package that it is. If MTV were ever to relaunch Headbangers Ball (When pigs fly, right?) "Mayhem" would likely receive a heart-stopping level of airplay. That's because it appeals to both metal fan boys and girls. The video doesn't need fancy tricks to get its message across. Lzzy's someone you don't want mad at you. The expressions she hits upon throughout the video should have driven that point home to you loud and clear. The lyrics place Lzzy in an extremely frustrated place. Already she's grown bored with the world spinning around her. Turn to the chorus if you want to escape that disappointingly jaded feeling yourself. How true is the sentiment "A little mayhem never hurt anyone". Well...I wouldn't go so far as to commit arson but knocking back a few brews and beating your chest would serve a real cathartic purpose. Lzzy likely joins a chorus of voices bored with the status quo and the lack of excitement it foists upon the citizenry. Chaos, fear, and pandemonium are sensations she'd like to see tossed onto her dance card. The more the walls shake, the more she likes it. Humdrum doesn't appeal to too many people and Lzzy's out to bust up the lethargy. The tempo gets right to breakneck pace with evil aplomb. Trying to catch up to Lzzy and her mates is a cardio workout in and of itself. Not that you won't be rewarded by it backwards and forwards. Lzzy deserves a pat on the back for "I Am The Fire", That allowed modern woman to roar and remind the guys they have just as much potential. However, maybe Kelly Clarkson ought to be left carrying that torch. Lzzy is in her element spewing out primal rage. "Mayhem" creates what the title promises and that's saying plenty. "Mayhem" is one rough edged you'll be proud to let your quivering eardrums clean up after.