Eric Steckel: Sandstorm Review

American blues rock guitarist and singer Eric Steckel brings his listeners back to the days when great guitars were played loudly through great amps. With Sandstorm, released on September 11th via SPV Recordings, Eric and the band deliver a powerhouse, mesmerizing performance. “My forthcoming new album, ‘Sandstorm’ is the most fun I’ve had making a record in my career thus far” said Steckel, and this is evident on the record itself.

Starting out with a killer Painkilleresque drum fill, “When It Rains, It Pours” is a heavy, bluesy goodness lit up by distorted guitar work made up of soaring licks, harmonics and pinch squeals. Steckel does a great job at fusing late 80s / early 90s hard rock vibe with modern blues. This continues with “The Other Guy”. Aggressive, in-your-face rock and roll energy, rich guitar tone and punchy arena-rock drums. Think Whitesnake meets Lynch Mob, meets Mr. Big, meets Bonamassa.

Perhaps a bit unexpectedly, Eric and the band make a 180 turn on “Blues for the Lonely”, a soul-sprinkled slow blues number with long notes on the electric organ providing a solid ground upon which the band strolls slowly while Eric walks and talks us through the story. Back to the heavy sound, “What I Wanna Believe” sounds like southern metal more than anything. Imagine Zakk Wylde playing with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Completely explosive!

The introspective title track has been written on the spot thanks to the fantastic vibe and chemistry in the studio. Talking about “Sandstorm,” Steckel said: “The incredible vibe in the studio brought forth tons of new and spontaneous material such as the title track ‘Sandstorm’ which instantly became my favorite track on this album and a perfect representation of this body of work.” Jazzy piano then paves the way for a love ballad that is “Empty Promises”. Eric’s incredible, soulful vocal performance is the absolute highlight of this song. Eric had previously recorded this Michael Burks cover on 2012’s Dismantle the Sun.

A Lance Lopez classic, “El Paso Sugar” follows, and it fits the vibe of this album oh so well. Incredible pick! But let me ask you, what on earth is that guitar sound on “Axe to Grind”? The dirtiest, meanest, most sinister distortion you’ll hear. Major pentatonic blues licks in between that heavy riff are such a tasty contrast. Wonderful, dirty, fat blues rock tune that brought out that pure teenage-style excitement in me, like the first time I heard Deep Purple’s “Stormbringer”. This is followed by a cheeky, funky, bluesy “She’s a Golddigger” bringing a juicy groove and fiery slide guitar licks. Closing out this wild ride of an album is a warm ballad titled “Back to Life”, ideal listening for a late night tipple. 

Sandstorm is a bold blues rock album that packs a punch. Excellent choice if you’re living on a heavier side of blues town, or if you simply need an energy boost. A cohesive mix of 10 well-produced tracks, top-class musicianship from Eric and the band, and just enough contrast to keep you on your toes throughout – a great listen!

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– When It Rains It Pours
– Sandstorm
– Axe to Grind

The Big Hit

– Axe to Grind