Operator Soulcrusher

2008, How about this for the name of a rock singer: Johnny Strong (!). That's one helluva name -- as is guitarist Rikki Lixx -- both of whom are linked to classic rock/metallists Operator. On the group's major label debut, 2007's Soulcrusher, Strong quickly shows off that he can shapeshift his voice from Chris Cornell's melodic croon to Bon Scott's whiskey soaked growl. And the music follows suit, mining the same blues-metal goldmine as AC/DC and Guns N' Roses did years ago, but with enough melody so that the album should appeal to more than just metalheads.