ALBUM REVIEW: Their Rock Is Not Our Rock (reissue) – Fireball Ministry

Los Angeles rock ‘n’ roll band FIREBALL MINISTRY have reissued their iconic record Their Rock Is Not Our Rock. With the album reaching its 20th anniversary next year, the band have put out exclusive versions and vinyls, reaffirming their stance on doing things their own way. So, after nearly two decades, does the album hold up today as well as it did back in 2005?

The simple answer to this would be yes. Even after all this time, the production still holds up and the album has aged like fine wine. Opening track It Flies Again wastes no time in showing off the band’s blend of rock ‘n’ roll, stoner rock and classic rock. Even though it first came out in 2005, there are elements that one easily recognises when comparing to modern artists of similar genres. What further stands out is how this record not only captures the spirit of 00s rock, but also elements from 90s trends within stoner rock and grunge. It makes sense given the album was recorded at Dave Grohl’s 606 West studio, so they had plenty of inspiration.

If you’re unfamiliar with FIREBALL MINISTRY and just curious in listening to the reissue of a two-decade old album, you might find yourself surprised in that there are some songs that are easily recognised. Chief among them is The Broken, the group’s most famous song thanks to an appearance in WWE Smackdown! vs. Raw 2006. The point is that whatever generation of rock ‘n’ roll fan you are, anyone can pick up and enjoy this record. Whether you were a fan back in 2005 or are being newly introduced to this band, one can easily enjoy the energetic guitar riffs, the bouncy drum rolls and the gruff vocals of James A. Rota II.

Granted, there are moments where things start to become a little dull and easy to zone out. That’s not to say it sounds bad, but you might find your attention waning. There’s even a point where you might not realise one song has finished and the next started because it sounds so disinteresting and hard to differentiate – we’re looking at you Two Tears and Under The Thunder.

Overall though, this an album worth visiting or revisiting both for the nostalgia and for an understanding of the band’s place in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. It holds up well two decades on, and it’s no surprise that Sons Of Anarchy used them in their soundtrack multiple times.

Rating: 7/10

Their Rock Is Not Our Rock (reissue) is out now via Ripple Music.

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