Johnny Hunkins - Down in Flames (2014)

Outstanding 2nd studio disc by this awesome axeripper from California featuring 12 tracks of excellent, high-adrenaline, classic guitar rock mojo of brain-damaging proportions. Johnny Hunkins is a first rate, world-class guitarist who has produced his finest musical hour to date on the incredible Down In Flames disc. An essential, highly entertaining, dynamic, melodic, blues-based, hard-rocker that includes Special Guests: Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent/Whitford St. Holmes) & Jarrod England (Rufus Huff/Black Mountain Prophet) on vocals, Chris Duarte on guitar, Dirty Dave Osti on guitar & vocals, Tony Franklin (Blue Murder/The Firm/Whitesnake) on bass and Ryan Hoyle (Collective Soul) on drums. A superb, killer, six string-fueled musical ride that will rock your world Down In Flames.

The hard rock you loved growing up hasn't died, it's been reborn in 3D on Johnny Hunkins new Grooveyard Records CD Down In Flames. Hunkins has taken powerful musical influences from hard rock and pop radio of the 1970s and 80s, and woven them into a brilliant organic tapestry of original songs in a traditional drums/bass/guitar/keyboard format. At times triumphant, heartbreaking, joyous, and angry, Down In Flames takes the listener on a fantastic, musically expansive journey that sounds at once familiar, yet refreshingly different. Its introspective socially conscious lyrics are relentlessly propelled by emotive harmonies, a driving beat, explosive riffing, and incendiary guitar playing that will have you reaching for the replay button throughout the disc s 54-minute duration. (The CD is also packaged in an artistic 6-panel wallet with an 8-page booklet for a totally immersive multi-media experience.) The disc also features breathtaking guest performances by Chris Duarte, Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent), Tony Franklin (The Firm, Whitesnake), Jarrod England (Rufus Huff, Black Mountain Prophet), Ryan Hoyle (Paul Rodgers, Collective Soul), and Dirty Dave Osti. If you're looking for authentic hard rock with a brave, forward-facing edge, Down In Flames delivers the goods! --Supreme Guitar Rock Association