Review: Buckcherry – Roar Like Thunder

Earache Records (June 13^th, 2025)

Reviewer – Chris O’Connor

 Let’s get one thing straight: Buckcherry is not an easy band to love unconditionally. Their output swings wildly—from moments of raw, swaggering brilliance – to tracks that land with a resounding thud. That said, I keep buying their albums. Why? Because when they get it right, they hit that elusive rock ‘n’ roll sweet spot. Thankfully, ‘Roar Like Thunder’, their eleventh studio album, gets it right more often than not.

If you’re already familiar with the Anaheim rockers, you’ll know what to expect: a high-octane blend of AC/DC grit, Rose Tattoo snarl, and Aerosmith sleaze. Frontman Josh Todd, the band’s sole original member, is joined this time around by guitarists Stevie Dacaney and Billy Rowe, bassist Kelly Lemieux, and drummer Francis Ruiz.

Performance-wise, the whole band shows up and delivers. But it’s the second half of the album where things really ignite. Much of the credit, I believe, goes to producer and co-writer Marti Frederiksen, whose input seems to bring a sharper focus and renewed vitality to the material. He also gives the band and album a really lovely sound, still ragged and vital , yet also polished enough to make them sound special with it.

The album kicks off with the title track, a snarling, riff-heavy mission statement packed with groove and attitude. ‘When the Sun Goes Down’ follows, a glorious hybrid of Rose Tattoo ferocity and Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom chaos—a pure, unapologetic shitkicker. Unfortunately, things take a dip from there. ‘Come On’ is a limp AC/DC imitation that feels more parody than homage. Then ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Sex’? It’s frankly embarrassing—a weak Steel Panther-esque romp with cringe-worthy lyrics that aren’t even trying to be ironic. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to look away … in sheer embarrassment for the band!

Fortunately, the album recovers quickly. ‘Blackout’ is a thunderous, boot-stomping rocker that really lands a blow musically, while ‘I Go Boom’ leans into the band’s horn-driven swagger with seriously impressive results (Rocket From The Crypt anyone?). ‘Set It Free’ slithers and crawls with a dark groove and a killer chorus—arguably one of the record’s standout moments.

Then comes ‘Hello Goodbye’—an absolute gem. With its almost-‘60s guitar riff and a gorgeous, radio-ready chorus, it’s cool as hell and begs for repeat plays. The lead guitar work here is especially noteworthy. ‘Machine Gun’ punches hard with more Rose Tattoo/AC/DC vibes, and the closer, then ‘Let It Burn’ delivers a final, ferocious blast of rock ‘n’ roll fury. It’s an explosive ending that leaves you wanting more.

In summation? ‘Roar Like Thunder’ isn’t a perfect album. A couple of serious misfires prevent it from reaching true greatness. But when it hits, it really hits—and that’s more than enough to make it a worthy addition to Buckcherry’s often chaotic, sometimes brilliant catalogue. So close, yet no cigar.

Tracklist: 

1. Roar Like Thunder
2. When The Sun Goes Down
3. Come On
4. Talkin’ ‘Bout Sex
5. Blackout
6. I Go Boom
7. Set It Free
8. Hello Goodbye
9. Machine Gun
10. Let It Burn

Line-up:

Josh Todd (vocals)
Stevie Dacanay (guitar)
Billy Rowe (guitar)
Kelly LeMieux (bass)
Francis Ruiz (drums)

Web Links:

Official Website

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