The start to 2023 has already been a good one for new music and this continues with the latest release from Wisconsin rockers Carbellion coming across the Sentinel Daily desk. Carbellion’s third full-length release Weapons of Choice comes three years since their last EP Headliner in 2019 and over ten years since their second full-length album The Horse. Carbellion has built a strong reputation for their live performances which has seen them tour with headliners such as Clutch, Buckcherry and Shinedown.

Weapons of Choice draws on Carbellion’s twenty years of experience to produce a solid set of ten songs. Lead vocalist Cameron Kellenberger says that the band worked hard to ensure every song on the record deserves to be on there and that there are no “throwaway tracks”, and after listening to the album I am inclined to agree with the man. The album doesn’t fit neatly into one category with the album flowing through punk, to pub rock to alternative/grunge and back again along the way. Rather than being disjointed, however, Weapons of Choice feels a bit like a set list designed to showcase the range of the band. Having said that punk rock-inspired tracks like Bar Fight, Pity the Backseat and the hard-hitting Preacher are the standout tracks for me.

The album marks the debut of new drummer Brent Nimz who has formed a formidable rhythm section with bassist Steve Sheppard. The guitar work of lead guitarist Jamie Damrow and Brandon Baur shines through and combines with Kellenberger’s vocals for the unique sound of Carbellion.

The album opens with Barfight – punk-inspired rock song that reminds me of packed rock shows and drinking shots of Jack Daniels until you fall down. This along with Pity the Backseat brings in a new punk sound to Carbellion thanks to the addition of Nimz who teamed up with Kellenberger on the writing duties on these tracks.

Ghosts the first single from the album, brings more of a grunge/alternate style and deeper lyrical content designed to engage their fans beyond just straight hard rock songs. The title track Weapons of Choice and Seasons of Failure all have grunge/progressive rock vibe with elements of Queens of the Stone Age and early Karnivool.

Spaces is a heavy, dark rock track with an Alice in Chains feel, opening with grinding guitar work from Damrow and Baur which sets the tone for Kellenberger  to bring in dark and angry vocals.

Impressive bass runs from Sheppard drive to opening to Preacher before dragging you head first into a hard hitting rock song that roars along like a V8 on the open road with the right foot down. This feels like a sweet spot for Carbellion and could see this being a highlight of their live shows.

Wrapping up the album is Origin – a Sabbathesque classic heavy metal inspired track and Stalemate – a live in the studio track – which gives you an insight into why Carbellion’s live performances have such a stellar reputation – with some studio antics thrown in for good measure.

The time it has taken for Carbellion to pull this album together has paid off with the album a significant step up from their previous two full-length releases. It is an album that you will find new elements every time you listen to it and make you want to be sure to catch Carbellion live if you get the chance.

Weapons of Choice releases on March 17th.