The Rods was formed in upstate New York in 1980 by
guitarist and vocalist David “Rock” Feinstein,
drummer Carl Canedy, and bassist Garry Bordonaro. With their self-titled debut and
early albums like “Wild Dogs” and “In The Raw,” the band quickly earned a
reputation for raw power and no-nonsense heavy metal. Over the years, The Rods became cult heroes, celebrated for their
straight-ahead style and relentless energy. After several breakups and returns,
the band roared back in the 2010s, and with the current lineup of Feinstein, Canedy,
and bassist Freddy Villano, they’ve been
steadily writing, recording, and playing live with more intensity than many
younger acts. With over four decades of history, The
Rods remains one of the genre’s true survivors.
“Wild Dogs Unchained” is an album that’s like it’s fueled by two engines, one powered by memory and one by fresh fire. The Rods has dusted off classics like “Hurricane” and the title track, rebuilding them with sharper riffs, tougher grooves, and production that makes them sound alive and urgent again. Alongside these, new compositions like “Eyes Of A Dreamer” and “Tears For The Innocent” add layers of melody and emotion that sit comfortably next to the band’s trademark thunder.
What keeps
this album compelling is its balance of muscle and spirit. Feinstein’s guitar playing has a grit that never
softens, shifting from bluesy phrasing to galloping metal with ease. His vocals
carry more warmth and expression than on past outings, which helps songs like
“Make Me A Believer” or “World On Fire” hit harder. Freddy
Villano’s bass lines rumble with authority, giving every track a thick
backbone, while Carl Canedy continues to hit
with a punch that’s urgent, whether driving fast rockers like “Run Run Run” or
adding drama to longer tracks.
Chris Collier’s mix gives everything heft and space, pushing the trio’s power forward without sanding away the rawness that made The Rods legendary in the first place. “Wild Dogs Unchained” has the sound of a band that refuses to slow down, attacking old and new material with the same fire.
There’s a
certain joy in hearing veteran musicians sound this energized. The Rods doesn’t just recycle their past, they
reinforce it with experience, attitude, and sheer volume. “Wild Dogs Unchained”
is proof that heavy metal’s old guard can still snarl, still bite, and still
deliver an album that belongs right alongside their classic catalog. This one
invite comparisons to the iron resilience of bands like Saxon or Raven, who never
stop moving forward while staying true to their essence.
Score: 8.0
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