“Not that the Blitz - or the Rock, I should say – is bloody likely to keep you abreast of such things, but Lions has been getting the kind of word of mouth that most bands would kill for. The question is whether or not it is warranted. In fact, the hype is pretty much on the money. Think of the generation of bands that were active right before grunge broke – i.e. Hiro Yamamoto-era Soundgarden and Bullet Lavolta – and mix that naïve, heavy groove with late ‘90s stoner metal. The result is Lions, a band to be reckoned with, and one smart enough to look for influences outside of the trends.” – Rick Allen, The Other Paper
"All roars and manes, Lions blends heavy riffs and explosive attitude for a head-twisting take on ye olde denim rock, with guitars so eminently shred-worthy that the band’s “Metal Heavy Lady” was chosen for inclusion on Guitar Hero III. The band’s debut full-length, No Generation, is a mix of explosive psychedelia and Texas-sized riffs, like a tab of LSD chased with Southern Comfort." – The Onion
"Remember the first time you heard Soundgarden's Louder Than Love? OK, it's been awhile, but that doesn't mean local boys Lions weren't able to turn the bong-rattling bottom end of last year's No Generation into something totally their own. Total fucking riffage." – Michael Bertin, Austin Chronicle 2008 SXSW Critics Pick
"Austin-based Lions provide enough of a steroid-fueled kick to the ass to startle even the most detached spectator, and the low-mixed, scratchy vocals only add to the hazy drone of the band's sound—one largely unseen since the glam rock days of the '70s. Perhaps that's why Lions, who'll be supporting the Toadies on the Fort Worth band's upcoming summer tour, found their song "Metal Heavy Lady" featured in Guitar Hero 3." - Dallas Observer May 2008 Critics Pick
"Lions are actually interested in dynamics, an all-too-rare trait in bands of their beery ilk. This doesn't mean Lions have balladeer tendencies — the guitars surge and thrust, while Matt Drenik's vocals sound like the result of a drunk, horny demon screaming into a wind tunnel. The Austin quartet simply knows how to build a hard-rocking tonal atmosphere, even in the spaces between Jake Perlman's hammerhead drumming. Lions are the Eagles of death metal, had they spent an entire adolescent summer with Black Flag's "In My Head". – Houston Press
"While there’s certainly plenty for Lions to rail against in the world, the album doesn’t particularly lash against any specific political or social force, but rather the lack of direction or purpose in all those forces. Lions is first and foremost about rock, about dropping loud fuzz-bombs that shake foundations, and while the guitars recall Rage Against the Machines’ monstrous thunder, the political intent springs not from diatribes, but the need to let go and unleash any restraint, whatever it may be. The band doesn’t seem to give a damn about provoking a call to action against anything, but more produce an undeniable, straightforward demand for Action, for movement that refuses detachment or indifference. No Generation therefore takes on the lethargy of displacement and fills the void." – Doug Freeman, Austin Sound
"Totally cool, unaffected riff-heavy rock, but not sludgy, and full of subtle hooks and an intelligence you don’t often find in this particular genre. It sucks that this band is from Austin, because I’d love for Dallas to be able to claim the members as native sons." – Dallas Observer
"Lions draw blood on the outside arena with chant-along chorus’ and scorching guitars. Their 2007 release No Generation allowed the band to voice their political views as well as display their rock n’ roll chops, and their live shows aptly roar with energy and fervor." – Austinist
"Packing heavy riffs and driving drum lines, Austin's Lions have tapped into the raw sound and energy that makes metal heroes out of dudes in dank, dirty rock bars." – Lawrence Weekly
Volume One and Live Press :
"Huffed any paint lately? Spend an hour in the company of Lions, and you might answer different. Barely 2 years old, the Austin quartet is one of Red River's biggest draws, tweaking the best of Detroit rock city (Kiss, MC5) with rotten backwoods Texas attitude. Last year's debut EP, Volume One, has some powerful fumes indeed." – Christopher Gray, Austin Chronicle 2007 SXSW (Critics Pick)
"Loud and violent only alludes to the eardrum shattering and mind-blowing experience that is Lions." – Real Detroit Weekly
"If you were to believe the foppish young lad (clad in black and on the prowl) to my right, the group at times recalls Fugazi, if you were to believe the lovely lady standing to my left, there were elements of Rage Against The Machine; and, sure, there's a rawness behind the music of Lions that no doubt calls to mind both those acts at their peak but Lions offers something different – something smoldering and savory, mercurial and majestic, ornate but understated, restless and never idle." – Wichita City Paper
"Their sound is a ferocious blend of fuzz, sweat and riffs, with a slinky Southern groove holding it all together." – Nashville Scene (Critics Pick)
"The image of the group parallels the sound, as the members look like a collective of vagabonds who might or might not pull a switchblade on you during a pool hustle... It's really quite delicious." – Cincinnati City Beat
"The result is explosive, raving and in psychedelic color." – Kansas City Pitch
"Volume One is a psychedelic trip through dive bars and crack houses where only the almighty riff survives." – Dallas Observer (Critics Pick)
"Holy Sweet Hillary Jesus. Think Blue Cheer on speed, or Grand Funk on PCP. The bass player looked like John Oates on heroin... All Hail Texas, indeed." – Indianapolis Music
"Bassist T-Rev heavily resembles Canadian rock hero Mike Levine of Triumph (or maybe it's drummer Neil Peart, circa 1976?) and wins this week's award for 'best rock 'n' roll mustache." – Charleston City Paper
"Live, Lions are a full-on firefight, Black Crowes Southern hemp twisted with PCP loud and violent." – Austin Chronicle
Now that the weekend hangover is slowly recessing, I can finally friend you guys and tell you all that you put on a great show in Columbus a few days ago. I had a great little conversation with Jake and a bit later with Todd your merch guy. You're all so nice! Makes me want to head down to Austin. :)
sounds great, i like the feel, the vintage bar room/smoke room, beatnik after hours vibe, that legedary darkside to teh forgotten rock gods hidding in the ring of a flat floor tom. i liked it alot...
You guys rocked the Troc and the Black Cat and are just tearing it up night after hard-riffin' night with that sick shit! The new generation of older brother Stoner Metal has come to a new legion of rock-hungry fans and they are...LIONS!!! Rock on, MoFo's!!!
caught three of your shows in the past two months, and theyre just getting better and better everytime! i hope some of that amazing guitar work from the live shows shines through more on the next album!! love no generation!!
