Ricky Warwick has been a constant in my life since the late ‘80s. Like every other metalhead, I loved The Almighty. I saw them live many times and loved their music. There was something about the sneer and swagger that drew me in. Ricky was, of course, the biggest part of that whole greasy attitude and hard-living lifestyle that appealed to young rockers like me. Their outstanding performance at 1992’s Monsters of Rock festival has stayed with me ever since.
Since then, Ricky’s career has taken many turns – solo artist, frontman of the reformed Thin Lizzy and their subsequent incarnation, Black Star Riders, Ricky has kept himself busy and relevant. The Almighty’s recent reformation has proved very successful, and they have been hitting some big stages.
Ricky’s latest solo effort, ‘Fire and Vengeance’ is his ninth solo record. We get some great guest appearances from Def Leppard’s Phil Collen, Blackberry Smoke frontman Charlie Starr, ex-Dio and Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich and Darren Holden of the High Kings.
The album is a mixture of high-octane rockers, bluesy ballads, and some Irish-tinged tunes that no doubt hark back to Ricky’s adolescent days growing up in Northern Ireland. Lyrically, Ricky likes to tell a story, and he has things of relevance to say. As Ricky himself says: “My favourite artists are the ones who have something to say. I enjoy a party rock n roll song as much as the next person, but the artists I continually return to are those who reach out to something I believe in and can connect with. That’s what I’m striving to do with my music.”
The ten songs that make up Fire and Vengeance have an energy that’s infectious. The opening title track has that undeniable Thin Lizzy vibe. Lyrically, it highlights the hardships that so many people are going through in this fucked up world at the moment. A catchy, sing-along chorus pulls you in after just one listen.
Hellbent & Heaven Sent has an almost Clash-like quality. Punky and in your face, the track is elevated by a shredding solo from Doug Aldrich. Seek Zen and Destroy, featuring Phil Collen, has a cool, funky vibe. When the King Falls shows Warwick’s diversity, a haunting ballad that the Stones would be proud of. You Just Lie uses guitars and synths to fantastic effect. The Angel’s Share is classic Warwick, he really knows how to paint a picture with words.
Last Chance to Dance shows Ricky channelling the late, great Phil Lynott, like only he has the right to do. After all, he filled his shoes with the reformed version of Thin Lizzy. Ricky is quoted as saying, “I always say that I never learned so much from a dead man.” Sweet County Down is a love letter to his homeland, as Ricky explains: “My family is from here, and we go way back. I viewed the song as my nod to that. And yeah, I borrowed the line “Sweet home County Down” from Sweet Home Alabama.”
Overall, Fire and Vengeance is a fine, solid addition to Warwick’s solo material. A thoroughly enjoyable listen. The production from Keith Nelson is bright and potent, the songs are memorable, and Warwick’s performance and sentiments are real. Great stuff. Go and get it!
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Author: Kenny Kendrick
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