Album Notes

Considering the post-grunge craze shows little sign of bottoming out, new Akron rock act Drenalin is throwing its self-titled debut effort -- replete with testosterone-driven anthems featuring razor guitar riffs and tortured vocals -- into the mix. Elements of post-hardcore on the mid-tempo "Inside" and the crunchy "Lost" position the quintet as contemporary, while the in-your-face "Justify" possesses a late '90s vibe. The Rubber City outfit shows its sensitivity on the hat-in-hand "Hear My Side," which is a piano-based ballad. While there is little new ground to be found on "Drenalin," that's not a knock. In fact, the group's solid songwriting and textured performance easily puts it alongside the Nickelbacks, Godsmacks and Breaking Benjamins of the rock radio world. Considering the local scene seems to be filled with either Metallica or My Chemical Romance wannabes, Drenalin not only provides something different but could also be the band most likely to break out of Northeast Ohio. Grade: B+ -John Benson, Cleveland Plain Dealer

The Akron-based Drenalin shamelessly bares its influences on its self-titled debut, giving obvious nods to mainstream rock acts Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin and Disturbed. But even though Drenalin adopted this time-tested formula for most of this 11-song album, the band occasionally adds elements of innovation that integrate quite well. The inclusion of acoustic guitar on the power ballad "Your Savior" is at once complex enough to marvel at the band's musicianship and simple enough to sing along with. The softer approach on "Dissolve" is done so well the track remains as crushing as any of the breakneck-style rock found on the rest of the album. Even the docile piano on the album's closer, "Hear My Side," complements Josh Surgeon's angst-filled vocals. - Tim Webb, Cleveland Free Times