Metal, for the true Metal head is more than just music; it’s a way of life. That sentiment is lived to the hilt by Topeka, Kansas guitarist Johnny Lokke. He had the talent, skills and songwriting ability to be the ‘next’ metal god guitar player but life got in the way. Now, a couple of decades down the road, family grown and still beating a Metal heart, Johnny has released a raging slab of Metal madness titled Promises and Lies.

Johnny is the real deal. He can squeal like Zakk, high pitch wail, vocally, like Halford, and keep it furious like Hetfield. “Accident of One” is one of the best Metal tracks this writer has heard this year. The title track is also a scorcher. Johnny has no problem ripping off skull crushing solos and he prefers at keep his Metal old school with tons of riffing, screams and extended, 1000 mph lead breaks.

The only negative comment is that Johnny’s style tends to be a bit repetitive. He could sharpen the songwriting skills even more than they are. However, that is not to say that this isn’t a pure Metal album. He is by no means a clone to any band yet he wears his influences on his sleeve, proudly displaying his Metal homage to those who took the road less traveled.

If this guy, in Topeka, Kansas, can make music this ferocious then the Metal dream remains alive and well for all of us.

By Jeb Wright