Monster Shop Score: 81/100
Buckcherry’s eleventh album, Roar Like Thunder, explodes with raw energy and classic rock swagger. This is a record that refuses to grow old quietly. Instead, it turns up the volume, channels the band’s wild spirit, and proves there’s plenty of life left in the old dogs yet. If you’re looking for pure, no-nonsense rock’n’roll that makes you want to jump about the living room, you’ll find plenty to love here.
Release Details and Notable Facts
Roar Like Thunder arrives on 13 June 2025, released globally by Earache Records (and Round Hill Records in North America). The band recorded the album at Sienna Recording Studios in Nashville. They worked once again with their long-time collaborator, Marti Frederiksen, whose production credits include Aerosmith, Mötley Crüe, and Ozzy Osbourne. His son, Evan Frederiksen, also contributed to the recording. Mastering was handled by Anthony Focx, known for work with Metallica and Aerosmith. The result is a punchy, modern record that’s firmly rooted in hard rock tradition.
Buckcherry: Context and Where We Are Now
Buckcherry formed in California in 1995, making a name for themselves with hits like Lit Up and Crazy Bitch. Over the years, they’ve weathered breakups, lineup changes, and the shifting sands of the music business. Josh Todd, the ever-present frontman, is now the sole original member, joined by Stevie Dacanay (guitar), Billy Rowe (guitar), Kelly LeMieux (bass), and Francis Ruiz (drums).
Their last few albums, including Warpaint (2019), Hellbound (2021), and Vol. 10 (2023), saw Buckcherry riding a new wave of creative energy. In fact, Vol. 10 landed them high on the UK Rock and Metal charts and brought them back to sold-out venues. Roar Like Thunder comes hot on the heels of a 20th anniversary reissue of their double-platinum breakthrough,
My Take: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Standout Tracks
Firstly, Roar Like Thunder is a full-blooded hard rock album that plays to Buckcherry’s strengths. The production is sharp, the riffs are bold, and Josh Todd’s vocals are as gritty and infectious as ever. The title track, Roar Like Thunder, sets the tone with a runaway train rhythm and a chorus that sticks in your head for days. Come On channels classic AC/DC with its stomping groove and positive message, urging you to shake off distractions and chase your dreams.
Moreover, there’s variety on offer. I Go Boom brings a horn-driven swagger that’s a bit different for the band, while Blackout drips with sleazy riffs and swagger. Set It Free is another highlight, with a big, catchy hook and a lyric video that captures the band’s high-octane spirit. Hello Goodbye offers a rare moment of reflection, nodding to influences as wide as George Michael. Not only that, but the album closes strong with Let It Burn, a short, sharp shock of rock’n’roll that leaves you wanting more.
On the other hand, there are moments where the band sticks a little too closely to their formula. If you’re hoping for a radical reinvention, you won’t find it here. Some lyrics flirt with cliché, and a couple of tracks feel more like familiar Buckcherry fare than future classics. Nevertheless, the album’s energy and conviction carry it through.
Musical Style, Themes, and Place in the Buckcherry Story
Stylistically, Roar Like Thunder is pure Buckcherry: riff-driven, rhythm-heavy, and proudly rooted in the sleaze and swagger of classic hard rock. The band wears its influences on its sleeve, from AC/DC to Aerosmith, but brings enough attitude and muscle to make it their own. Thematically, the album deals with living life loud, facing up to your past, and finding your own path through chaos. Josh Todd’s lyrics touch on addiction, recovery, and personal growth, but never get too heavy-handed.
The band’s knack for big hooks and singalong choruses remains undimmed. The production is tight, with every instrument punching through the mix. The addition of horns on I Go Boom adds a fresh twist, and the relentless pace keeps you engaged from start to finish. While it doesn’t break much new ground, Roar Like Thunder is a confident statement from a band that knows exactly who they are.
How Does It Compare?
In the context of Buckcherry’s discography, Roar Like Thunder feels like a natural evolution. It’s not as raw as their self-titled debut or as iconic as 15, but it sits comfortably alongside their recent output. Whereas Time Bomb struggled to find its feet, this album sounds like a band in their element, enjoying the ride and playing to a packed house.
If you’ve enjoyed their previous albums—especially Warpaint, Hellbound, or Vol. 10—you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. The production is bigger, the band is tighter, and there’s a real sense of momentum. In the wider rock landscape, Buckcherry might be seen as outsiders, but that’s exactly what gives them their charm. They’re not trying to chase trends; they’re here to deliver rock’n’roll, loud and proud.
Touring and What’s Next
Buckcherry are hitting the road hard this summer, with a massive US tour running from May through August 2025. They’ll be playing everywhere from casinos to festivals, with stops in places like Las Vegas, New Jersey, and Denver. There are even co-headline dates with Hinder, Blue Öyster Cult, and Scorpions. You can check out the full list and grab tickets at their official website. If you fancy a VIP experience, the band are offering meet-and-greet packages, which include a photo, signed laminate, and more.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Roar Like Thunder is exactly what you want from Buckcherry in 2025: energetic, unfiltered, and full of attitude. It’s not perfect, and it won’t win over every critic, but it’s a blast from start to finish. For long-time fans, it’s another reason to crank up the stereo and celebrate a band that’s still roaring after three decades. For newcomers, it’s a solid introduction to a group who refuse to fade away quietly. In summary, Buckcherry have delivered a hard rock album that’s well worth your time—and, more importantly, your volume knob.
Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on Roar Like Thunder by Buckcherry. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!
