Buckcherry’s Roar Like Thunder: A Hard Rock Triumph

Buckcherry’s Roar Like Thunder: A Hard Rock Triumph Packed with Infectious Hooks

By Tommy Sommers

Let’s get one thing straight: Buckcherry’s Roar Like Thunder (2025) is an electrifying, no-holds-barred rock ‘n’ roll juggernaut that demands your attention. As a lifelong fan and one of the band’s photographers (yes, I contributed to the artwork for their last two albums, including 2023’s Vol. 10 and this latest release), I’ll admit my bias upfront. But trust me, this album earns every ounce of praise it’s about to get.

There’s something sacred about the ritual of a new album drop—waiting in anticipation, grabbing the record, and letting it wash over you from start to finish. It’s a rare pleasure I savor only a handful of times each year, and Roar Like Thunder delivers that thrill in spades. This album is Buckcherry at their most confident, blending their signature hard rock grit with pop-infused melodies that stick like glue. It’s a sonic assault in the best possible way, and it’s their most consistent work in years.

Compared to 2023’s Vol. 10, Roar Like Thunder feels closer in spirit to Hellbound, but it carves its own path with relentless energy. Buckcherry has always been more than their infamous hit “Crazy Bitch,” and this album proves it. The band doesn’t need to lean on their heaviest tracks to shine—sometimes, their lighter, melody-driven songs outshine the bangers. That’s not a knock on their heavier side; it’s a testament to their versatility. Roar Like Thunder is a masterclass in balancing raw power with irresistible hooks, delivering earworms that’ll have you humming for days.

The songwriting here is nothing short of stellar. Every track explodes with infectious melodies and larger-than-life guitar riffs that showcase Buckcherry’s knack for crafting anthems. It’s the kind of album you can’t help but crank up, whether you’re driving down the highway or rocking out at home. I’ve only spun it once so far, so I’m not ready to crown a favorite track, but rest assured, there’s no filler here—just wall-to-wall bangers that demand repeat listens.

Some fans argue the band hasn’t been the same since founding member Keith Nelson’s departure, but I respectfully disagree. The last three albums, including Roar Like Thunder, rank among Buckcherry’s finest work. This record is heavy when it needs to be, but it never sacrifices the pop sensibility that makes their music so addictive. The guitar tones are massive, the melodies are unforgettable, and frontman Josh Todd’s vocals remain a force of nature.

Buckcherry is more than a band with a couple of hits—they’re a powerhouse that deserves your attention. Roar Like Thunder is a must-own for rock fans, and their back catalog is just as worthy of exploration. Better yet, catch them live; their shows are a high-octane experience you won’t forget. This is one of America’s greatest rock bands at the top of their game. Don’t sleep on Roar Like Thunder—it’s a wild ride you’ll want to take again and again.