Review: Sixx AM- Prayers For The Damned Vol. 1

Sixx A.M. are a unique band. Their inception was originally intended to be nothing more than a musical accompaniment to Nikki Sixx\’s Heroin Diaries memoir. Not long after their debut record- the book\’s soundtrack released, the number of fans of the band and the music was overwhelming. This led to a second album and a third and now a fourth in 2016. Prayers For The Damned Vol. 1 is the first installment of a massive double album that comes just a few years after Modern Vintage. While Modern Vintage saw the band go in a different direction musically than we\’ve seen on the first two records, Prayers For The Damned sees the band going back to the sound and themes that made them so popular in the first place and completely decimates and disembowels any and all expectations there could have been. Sixx A.M. have always had a dark positivity behind their lyrics and Prayers is no exception. The band has always had a deep-seeded meaning and very strong message behind their lyrics as well and, again, Prayers has exactly that. Lead single, “Rise,” kickstarts the album with attitude and it\’s obvious from the start that this is going to be a Sixx A.M. album through and through. “Rise” has the attitude you expect from the band matched with the positive message they bring on every album. “Rise” leads right into “You Have Come To The Right Place,” which has the infectious guitar and anthemic chorus that makes Sixx A.M. such a force and it doesn\’t stop there. “Can\’t Stop” is another anthem that is guaranteed to fit perfectly if played live. “Prayers For The Damned”- the title track- is a radio rock single that should also go over well live. It\’s dark, it\’s heavy, it\’s beautiful. As is “I\’m Sick.” One of the many standout tracks is “Belly Of The Beast.” Not only is it a strong track but it\’s a completely different avenue for Sixx A.M. than we\’ve ever heard before. It\’s very rhythm section-heavy and has an almost Mission Impossible/covert operation vibe to it that blasts into a rock and roll adrenaline rush. In the end, Sixx A.M. have taken the expectations for this record and completely knocked them on their ass. Prayers For The Damned Vol. 1 is everything you could have hoped for and more. Longtime Sixx A.M. fans are sure to all in love immediately while fans who may just be starting their journey with the band have a perfect place to start…and there\’s a second installment of the story on it\’s way. Rating: 9/10 -Reggie Edwards