Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
American Dog
Title
Neanderthal
Type
LP/EP
Company
Independent
YOR
2014
Style
Hard Rock
12/18/2014 - Review by: Eric Compton
Bar-room bravado
Things are starting to look up for one of America's best rock acts. The band signed with longtime Guns 'N Roses manager Doug Goldstein as one of the first acts for his new company--When Pigs Fly Entertainment. Neanderthal is the band's first recording as a four piece, adding an additional guitar player in Vinnie Salvatore. Thus far, based on the band's blue-collar work ethic, the band have opened for Tesla on their 2014 nationwide tour. The new album continues the bare bones approach the band has utilized for six albums, that loud 'n proud bar-room bravado that made Ted Nugent, AC/DC and Nazareth so entertaining. "Carnivore" is the perfect opener with vocalist Michael Hannon’s characteristic low register party-themed lyrics. "Who’s She Killing" is damn near perfect with a harmonized vocals and key changes that swing the song up-tempo. "We Aint Gonna Get Drunk Tonight" is a quirky tale that kicks into gear midway. "Devil Inside" reminds me of Alice Cooper circa 1971 ('Love It to Death’ specifically) while "Dog Eat Dog" is rawer punk that is reminiscent of the last album, 'Poison Smile’. The band continue to be my "go to" for US hard rock with 'Neanderthal’ arguably the band’s best. Nice artwork courtesy of Frank Frazetta.
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    4 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: AMERICAN DOG
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Neanderthal
2014
Independent
Eric Compton12/18/2014
4
Poison Smile
2012
Bad Reputation
Eric Compton8/20/2012
3.5

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: AMERICAN DOG
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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