CJ Snare, former vocalist for late-'80s hair-metal band Firehouse, now fronts the much heavier Rubicon Cross. About the only thing these veteran headbangers have in common with Snare's old band is the singer's distinctive voice.
Snare previously lived in Milwaukee, and parts of Rubicon Cross' crunchy self-titled debut were recorded there. The opening triumvirate of "Locked & Loaded," "Next Worst Enemy" and "Bleed With Me" features distorted vocals, monstrous hooks and a serrated metal edge that puts Snare's past way behind him.