With more Southern flavour than a Kentucky Fried Chicken wig, Alabama Thunderpussy have always exuded their Southern influences with a reckless abandon. Their particular brand of sonic moonshine fuelled rock has been the distinguishing feature that the mighty Thunderpussy have built their career around. One has only to look over the bands back catalogue to see the quality of their workmanship. Why then have Alabama Thunderpussy remained to many an unknown quantity?

Perhaps one of the reasons is the labeling of much of Alabama Thunderpussy's work as pure Stoner; a term that while not totally inappropriate doesn't really do their music justice. Another could be the bands revolving door policy which they have employed over recent years when it comes to front-men, which has given the band a lack of cohesion. The most likely reason however is that people just don't know a good thing when they hear one.

"Open Fire", the latest release from Richmond's finest goes some considerable way to addressing many of the above mentioned concerns in one forty minute release. While "Open Fire" has the unmistakable trademark sound of Alabama Thunderpussy, Stoner this album ain't! With a much more stripped down rigorous sound than previous releases, there are elements of what some would call Stoner but primarily this is simply a good old fashioned rock record. The addition of ex-Exhorder front-man Kyle Thomas to the ranks of Alabama Thunderpussy has given the band a vocalist that can finally do justice to the brutal rhythms they produce, while playing as the perfect foil to Erik Larson's extra heavy riffs. Thomas's style has unquestionably changed from his Thrash fuelled Exhorder days, but the aggression and power remain for all to hear.

From the opening of "The Cleansing", a hard rocking dynamo, to the more groove laden "Open Fire", this is clearly a watershed release for the band. Demonstrating a more mature writing style and more proficient musicianship, this album has the feel of a band coming of age. Comfortable in their collective self with the power and might to prove to any doubters Alabama Thunderpussy have arrived; and in some style.