HELL YEAH is releasing their sixth studio album, and the final one with the legend, Vinnie Paul, this upcoming Friday. His death June 22, 2018, left fans around the world in shock, but this latest album is a comfort, as one last gift to the rock world. “Once a song was completed to Vinnie’s satisfaction, he’d put his stamp of approval on it and move on to the next one,” Vinnie’s bass playing partner, Kyle, recounts. “He did that for every single song on this album.”
With his final contributions on the album, it’s perfectly titled “Welcome Home,” as Vinnie is laid in his final resting place next to brother, Dime Bag. The album art features a door between dimensions which offers the comforting visual of Vinnie walking through it with “Welcome Home” playing as he’s welcomed where all rock legends live till the end of time.
“333” opens the album with the energy letting listeners know exactly what to expect from the rest of the album. With Chad Grey’s legendary heavy vocals and Vinnie’s legendary rhythms, it’s the perfect song to open the album. The pace of the song is much too fast for me to try to sing along to, but it’s so great to headbang to! I like the song even more after watching the music video, released in Spring this year. It’s a great memorial to Vinnie with tributes throughout the video, which portrays a party, which is in itself, a great celebration of his life. The predominant of red in the video reminds me of a dark room, which offers the perfect symbolism to the photos of his life and career playing throughout the video.
“Welcome Home” is the perfect track for this album. The lyrics “All that’s good gets torn apart Why is this feeling of loss like a welcome home” perfectly express the feelings of pain from saying goodbye to Vinnie unexpectedly, but the bright side of the serendipitous timing of the album. It gives a morose feel with its slower tempo and the addition of the violins. It’s a perfect blend of heavy, and melodic, electric guitar and classical instruments. This is a favorite of mine on the album.
This album is a great tribute to a life cut short. In addition to this masterpiece, HELL YEAH went on a “Celebration of Life” tour. With some dates needing to be rescheduled, follow the band’s social media for updates on those shows. Partnering with the American Heart Society, this tour brings awareness and leads to a change in lifestyle for heart health. Bassist Kyle Sanders says “Everyone can make some kind of change for the better. It’s never too late.”
Welcome Home releases this Friday, September 27 on all streaming and music purchase platforms. Order your copy today!
Track List:
- 333
- Oh My God
- Welcome Home
- I’m the One
- Black Flag Army
- At Wick’s End
- Perfect
- Bury You
- Boy
- Skyy and Water
- Irreplaceable
