Description
The Damned Things – Ironiclast – Compact Disc
Released in 2010, Ironiclast introduced The Damned Things, a project that brought together musicians from several prominent rock and metal bands to create a sound rooted in classic hard rock energy. The group featured Keith Buckley from Every Time I Die, Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano from Anthrax, along with Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley of Fall Out Boy. With members drawn from such different musical backgrounds, the album became an interesting blend of heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and high-powered rock attitude.
Rather than leaning entirely toward metal or punk, Ironiclast draws heavily from the spirit of 1970s hard rock. The guitars dominate the sound with thick, blues-influenced riffs and soaring leads that recall the swagger of classic arena rock bands. At the same time, the band’s modern background in metal and alternative rock adds extra aggression and speed to the arrangements.
Keith Buckley’s vocals bring a distinctive character to the album. Known for his energetic delivery in the hardcore scene, Buckley shifts into a more melodic style here while still maintaining his gritty edge. His performance helps bridge the gap between the band’s heavy instrumentation and the album’s strong sense of melody.
The guitar interplay between Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano provides much of the album’s muscle. Their riffs carry a punchy, classic-rock groove while the solos inject moments of technical flair. Beneath them, Trohman and Hurley create a tight rhythm section that keeps the songs moving with a confident, driving momentum.
The album balances humor, irony, and commentary on modern culture. The title Ironiclast hints at a playful rejection of seriousness, and many of the songs carry a rebellious tone that fits the band’s energetic style. Rather than presenting a unified concept, the lyrics move freely between sharp observations and tongue-in-cheek rock bravado.
Ironiclast ultimately feels like a celebration of rock music itself. By combining musicians from different corners of the rock world, The Damned Things created a record that pays homage to classic hard rock while still reflecting the heavier influences of the members’ primary bands. The result is an album full of swagger, strong riffs, and the sense that the musicians involved were simply enjoying the chance to play loud, unapologetic rock together.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Handbook For The Recently Deceased
Bad Blood
Friday Night (Going Down In Flames)
We’ve Got A Situation Here
Black Heart
A Great Reckoning
Little Darling
Ironiclast
Graverobber
The Blues Havin’ Blues
