By Adam Bowman

Featuring a thank-you list that spans half the insert, and a Canadian hard rock following that makes every pop canuck green with eh-nvy, Headstrong have set their sights on American hard rock culture with their self-titled debut on BMG.

By the time you read this, I'm guessing that you've already heard the lead single "Adriana", whose cyptic lyrics and melodic delivery swoon you into a deceptive trance. Now, if you're one of those people that love to just listen to the same song over and over, then (why are you here?) I suggest "Backlash" and "Inside Joke", where you'll hear similar vocal melodies and a similar guitar riff, respectively. Those wanting variety, however, will find all they want in this album. The softer moments are better described as those moments in a movie where the serial killer is sweet-talking his next victim so he can gain their trust. "Swing Harder", "Hoodies & Hoods", and the opening to "I Am For Real" are prime examples.

Headstrong's ability to go from Rage Against The Machine to Tool and back to Headstrong is by far their best attribute. No one member stands out as a superstar, they're a collective unit, and anyone setting out to find the next best thing in hard rock music, don't be afraid to put your money on these guys.