Come Pet The Poodles

So some may think that metal, true bone-crushing metal, died out with Tipper Gore and the PMRC in the '80s. WRONG! Metal is alive and well, it just needed...a vacation. And it seemed that Scandinavia looked like the ideal place to recharge. For a few years now, Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway have been cultivating their own breed of heavy metal, and it seems the new generation of L.A.-inspired metal has been born. Today's story? The Poodles. Making their international debut in 2006 with their debut album, Metal Will Stand Tall, these Swedish rockers know how to do it. Comprised of Jakob Samuel (vocals), Pontus Egberg (bass), Christian Lundqvist (drums), and Henrik Bergqvist (guitar), The Poodles revive the long-lost arena rock sound with driving guitar solos, gut-busting drum kicks and bass licks that would turn Flea's head. And above all of that, Samuel's soaring vocals like an eagle on wings of sharpened sound and precision.

But these guys can take it slow too. Their balled "Crying" is a testament to the heart and soul of the power-balled, paved by "I Remember You," "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," and "Don't Stop Believin'."

The Poodles released their sophomore and junior albums in 2007 and 2009, respectively, and both continue their legacy of AOR. Guess they were right: thanks to their efforts, The Poodles have ensured that metal will indeed stand tall.

Sounds Like: Winger, Cinderella, Ratt

Key Tracks from Metal Will Stand Tall: "Metal Will Stand Tall," "Echoes From the Past," "Night of Passion," "Dancing with Tears in My Eyes," "Rockstar"

Check out The Poodles at: http://www.poodles.se/