Take Them And Break Them: Michael Monroe’s Raw Rock Riot
Alright, let’s cut the crap. If you’re looking for something soft and sappy, this ain’t it. Michael Monroe’s Take Them And Break Them is a punch-to-the-face record that screams louder than your drunk uncle at a family reunion. Released in 2002 under Steamhammer (Japan), this album doesn’t mess around. It’s hard rock with teeth, blending raw aggression, sleazy swagger, and enough hooks to gut a shark.
The whole thing feels like a chaotic love letter to rock 'n' roll—an unholy mix of Hard Rock, Rock & Roll, and Heavy Metal guts. And yeah, there are some live tracks thrown into the mix too. You want polished? Go listen to some boy band. This is raw, dirty, and unapologetically loud.
Tracks That Stick Like Glue
Let’s talk about two tracks that’ll stick in your brain like gum on a hot sidewalk: "Where's the Fire John?" and "Relationshipwrecked."
First up, "Where's the Fire John?"—this one hits you like a freight train covered in barbed wire. The opening riff grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Monroe’s vocals are snarling, dripping with attitude, as if he just got kicked out of his favorite dive bar. There’s no time to breathe here; it’s relentless, fast-paced, and pissed off. When I hear this track, I imagine myself smashing chairs in an alley while wearing leather gloves. Yeah, it’s that kind of vibe. Plus, they threw in a live version later on the album, which somehow makes it even more explosive. It’s not just music—it’s a call to arms.
Then there’s "Relationshipwrecked," which might as well be the soundtrack to every bad breakup ever. This song oozes venom. The lyrics spit fire, and the guitar work cuts deeper than your ex’s lies. What sticks with me most is how brutally honest it feels. No sugarcoating, no apologies—just pure emotional carnage wrapped in a killer melody. Live or studio, it doesn’t matter. Every note punches harder than the last, leaving you bruised but begging for more.
Production That Kicks Ass
Props to Harri Merilahti and Michael Monroe for mixing and mastering this beast. These guys didn’t sand down the rough edges—they sharpened them. The sound is loud, dirty, and alive, like it was recorded in a garage during a thunderstorm. Even Danny Liljestrand’s additional mastering gives it that extra kick in the nuts. It’s imperfect perfection, and that’s exactly why it works.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still reading, stop wasting time and crank this sucker up. Take Them And Break Them isn’t just an album—it’s a middle finger to mediocrity. Michael Monroe proves once again that he’s the real deal, spitting out tunes that bite back.
Oh, and here’s the kicker: after blasting this album, I realized my neighbors hate me now. Guess I owe them an apology…or maybe another round of “Where’s the Fire John?” Played at full volume, of course.
