Formed in 2007 by it’s original members; James Michael, DJ Ashba (also, lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses) and Motley Crüe’s own superstar bassist Nikki Sixx, Sixx A.M. is becoming more and more popular, maybe even more than their primary band members original bands (Guns & Motley Crüe). By the way, even if the band’s name is SIXX A.M., it doesn’t mean that this is mostly Nikki Sixx’s affair. The name is actually the 3 band members’ last names… SIXX A. (shba) M. (ichael).

The band’s first release was in August of 2007, The Heroin Diaries soundtrack based on Nikki Sixx’s autobiography. I still listen to this amazing piece of art. Great album from top to bottom. Again, in 2011 this time, the second major release of the band is in relation with a Nikki Sixx’s book; This is Gonna Hurt. Released in May, this album is becoming a yearly favorite of mine, just like The Heroin Diaries become my favorite album of 2007.

I’m a big time hard rock/metal fan and I’ve been in love with bands like Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crüe my whole life. Thing is; I like change, I like to keep myself updated and rock n’ roll hasn’t been following that curve alot… It’s usually like the old sound of the 90′s, or too experimental and I don’t like it… Most recent Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crüe stuff? Meh… Not so great. It sucks that we don’t get something GREAT from a band of the 80s-90s… So, when I heard Sixx A.M. for the first time, my jaw just dropped to the floor.

First of all, James Michael has an amazing voice for a rock n’ roll artist. Certainly one of the best, for sure, he’s in the right range/field for his singing career. Sometimes, his vocals remind me of Ville Valo of the Finnish band H.I.M. with a more rock n’ roll touch like Josh Todd of Buckcherry. I never had the chance to hear whatever Michael did before joining Sixx A.M. but since, I can honestly say that he’s becoming one of my favorite lead singer.

Merge to those amazing lead vocals, we have DJ Ashba, of that many consider being even bigger than whatever “Slash” ever did for GnR. Personally, I still believe that Slash somehow revolutionized the role of a lead guitarist, not because he was the best player, but for his presence, his style and everything surrounding him. For that reason, I don’t think that DJ is THAT high on my list, but he is a damn good guitar player, I won’t ever argue with that… He brings a great combo pack-style with Sixx… I mean, do I really have to talk to you about the most iconic rock n’ roll person on earth? Didn’t think so! So put that all together and you get an amazing band. Give them a listen if like me, you like hard rock from the past, but the REAL WORKING updated version!