Paul Lidel’s Scream Therapy – ‘Are You Ready’

(Perris Records)

The latest Paul Lidel’s Scream Therapy album Are You Ready doesn’t politely knock on the door and wait to be invited in. It kicks the damn thing off its hinges, lights up the room with a wall of amps and then grins at you as if to say, “Yeah… you needed this.” In true no-nonsense hard rock fashion, this album is loud, unapologetic, and refreshingly honest –exactly the kind of record that reminds you why rock and metal still matter when it’s done with heart, muscle and a little sweat on the floor.

From the first blast of sound Are You Ready makes good on its title. This is not background music. It demands attention, like a vintage muscle car revving at a red light. Lidel, known for his work with Dangerous Toys and Broken Teeth, brings decades of road-tested grit to the table and it shows in every riff and vocal line. There’s nothing trendy here, no chasing algorithms or TikTok hooks, just pure, full-bodied hard rock built on big guitars, tight grooves and choruses that stick like road tar on a hot Texas highway.

The guitars are the obvious star of the show. Lidel’s playing is sharp, crunchy, and confident, balancing old-school bite with modern clarity. The riffs don’t just chug – they strut. There’s a bluesy swagger running through the album, the kind that tips its hat to Aerosmith and AC/DC without ever slipping into cosplay. Solos arrive when they should, say what they need to say, and get the hell out before overstaying their welcome. That restraint is important, it keeps the record lean and punchy instead of bloated.

Vocally this album hits with conviction. Lidel’s voice isn’t about pristine perfection; it’s about character. There’s grit in the delivery, a lived-in rasp that makes the lyrics believable. When he sings about pressure, survival, and pushing forward, it doesn’t sound like a concept it sounds like experience. This is rock sung by someone who’s been knocked around a bit and came back swinging.

Lyrically, the album keeps things grounded and relatable. You won’t find overblown fantasy epics or vague poetic rambling here. These songs are about grit, determination, and standing your ground when the world leans heavy on your shoulders. It’s therapy by volume – turn it up, let it roar, and feel some of the weight shake loose. Hence the band name, and honestly, it fits like a worn leather jacket.

The rhythm section deserves serious credit for driving the album forward with authority. The drums hit hard but stay tasteful, locking in with the bass to create a foundation that’s both powerful and flexible. This isn’t just about speed or heaviness; it’s about groove. There’s a pulse running through Are You Ready that keeps your head nodding even when the guitars are in full attack mode.

Production-wise, the album sounds big without being overproduced. Everything has space to breathe. The guitars bite, the drums punch, and the vocals sit right where they should – front and centre, but not smothering the band. It feels like a record made to be played loud, preferably in a car with the windows down.

What really sets Are You Ready apart is its sense of purpose. This album knows exactly what it is and never wavers. There’s no filler, no half-baked experiments, no “let’s try this just because.” Every track serves the mission: deliver solid, memorable hard rock with attitude and soul. In an era where many albums feel like playlists stitched together, this one plays like a unified statement.

The album kicks off hard, no easing in, no pleasantries. The title track ‘Are You Ready’ is a straight shot of adrenaline, built on a thick, confident riff that announces Scream Therapy’s mission statement loud and clear. This song sets the tone for the entire record: bold, driving hard rock with a hook that grabs you by the collar. Lidel’s vocals come in gritty and assured, sounding like a man who’s lived the lyrics. It’s a call to arms for rock fans, and by the time the chorus hits, the answer is obvious - yeah, we’re ready.

If there’s a flag-waver on the album, this is it. ‘We Got Rock N Roll’ is a fist-in-the-air anthem that celebrates the music itself without sounding corny or forced. The groove is undeniable, riding a swagger-heavy riff that feels tailor-made for a sweaty club stage. This track reminds me of Dangerous Toys, fun, confident, and unapologetically loud. It’s the kind of song that reminds you why rock survives every trend thrown at it.

Things take a slightly darker, heavier turn here with ‘Burning At Both Ends’ it  digs into the grind, pushing too hard, living fast, and paying the price. The riff is thick and muscular, while the rhythm section locks in tight to give the song real weight. Lidel’s vocal delivery shines here, carrying a sense of urgency and fatigue that fits the theme perfectly. This is hard rock with something to say, not just something to shout.

‘Hang On’ brings a dose of resilience and heart into the mix. The tempo relaxes just enough to let the melody breathe, but the track never loses its edge. There’s an almost classic rock sensibility here, blending grit with encouragement. The chorus feels built for late-night drives or moments when you need a reminder not to quit. It’s a solid example of how Scream Therapy balances toughness with soul.

‘Not Alone’ leans into connection and solidarity, offering one of the album’s more emotional moments without sacrificing power. The guitar work is tasteful and supportive, letting the song’s message take centre stage. Lidel sounds particularly convincing here, delivering the lyrics with sincerity rather than melodrama. ‘Not Alone’ proves the band can hit harder emotionally without turning soft, a tricky balance they pull off well.

Here’s where the album snarls a bit. ‘Bend My Will’ is defiant and aggressive, driven by a grinding riff that feels purpose-built for headbanging. The attitude is front and centre, and the groove is downright nasty in the best way. This is Scream Therapy at its most confrontational, pushing back against pressure and control. It’s raw, direct, and exactly what hard rock thrives on.

True to its title, ‘Never Satisfied’ has a restless energy that never lets up. The pacing is tight, the hooks are sharp, and the chorus sticks like glue. Lyrically, it taps into that constant hunger to do more, be more, and never settle. The band sounds locked in here, firing on all cylinders with confidence and precision.

‘Contact High’ brings a bluesy, almost sleazy swagger into the mix. The groove is infectious, with a riff that struts instead of sprints. There’s a fun, dangerous edge to this song that recalls classic nights out and questionable decisions. It’s a standout track for its vibe alone, showing the band’s ability to loosen the reins without losing control.

One of the album’s most colourful tracks, ‘Black Hearted Helene’ feels like a modern hard rock character study. The riff is dark and moody, while the lyrics paint a vivid picture without overexplaining. This song has a cinematic quality, pulling you into its world and letting the music do most of the talking. It’s a great example of storytelling through tone and attitude.

The album closes with a full-throttle statement of intent. ‘Stop At Nothing’ is relentless, driving home the themes of perseverance and refusal to back down. The energy is high, the performance tight, and the finish feels earned rather than forced. It’s the perfect closer –leaving the listener energized, satisfied, and ready to hit play again.

If you’re a fan of straight-ahead rock that respects its roots while still sounding alive and current, Are You Ready is going to hit the sweet spot. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it just sets it on fire and lets it roll downhill. And sometimes, that’s exactly what rock music is supposed to do.

Are You Ready is proof that experience, passion, and authenticity still count for a lot. It’s loud therapy, riff-driven release, and a reminder that hard rock, when done right, doesn’t ask for permission – it just shows up and takes over. So the real question isn’t Are You Ready? It’s how loud are you willing to play it?

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Not Alone’

Review By Woody