DREGEN – Dregen (CD) Spinefarm

Swedish guitarist Dregen has lent his sleazy punk metal touches to Backyard Babies and The Hellacopters (an original member of both) as well Supershit666 and more recently Michael Monroe, appearing on the acclaimed Horns And Halos opus. This is his first solo album in 25 years and is recorded with Par Wilksten, and a number of musicians including Nicke Ander and guests Karl Rockfist (Michael Monroe), Sami Yaffa (Hanoi Rocks) and John Calabrese.

Dregen handles all vocals and guitars with aplomb opener “Divisions Of Me” kicks ass from the outset, while the single “Just Like That” is catchy. “Flat Tyre On A Muddy” is a stomping part acoustic blues number. “Pink Hearse” is punchy and quite fuzzy too, and has some tribal drums in the background. “6-10” is quite funky, in a catchy way, and there’s a touch of Frehley era Kiss mixed with the Ramones to “Mojo’s Gone”.

‘Mojo’s Gone’ live video

Throughout, the album mixes metal, rock, sleaze and blues to various levels, and a punky edge to some tracks adds an energetic dimension.

If you like a sleazy touch to your rock’n’roll, you’ll love this. 8/10
Joe Gessin

Dregen – Flat Tyre On A Muddy Road ft. Titiyo :