We know what you're thinking: What does the former leader of the White Panther party have in common with Venus' most famous rock band? The answer is probably more than you think. While Valient Thorr's 2005 debut, Total Universe Man, set the stage for total planetary domination, their follow-up, Legend Of The World, finds the band trying to save that same planet the only way they know how: through the power of the almighty riff.

The question is: Does Rock N Roll have the power to save the world?

Rock N Roll is the only thing that can save the world, explains red-bearded frontman Valient Himself via cell phone from the bands RVT Starship Cruiser. It can be co-opted as well, but it's the only thing thats sincere enough to make it happen, because when you're out there, you're putting all of it on the line.

From the albums furious opener Heat Seeker (which isn't a live recording, but may as well be) to the politically charged rocker Har Megiddo, and everything in between, each second of the 49 minutes of unadulterated Rock N Roll that makes up Legend Of The World proves that although Valient Thorr's history and denim vests may sometime precede them (People say were either too far ahead of the times or too far behind them, jokes Valient Himself), its clear that they're no metal joke band.

From the Bush Administration to capitalism to the hierarchy of the class system, there is no topic that Valient Thorr are afraid to stand up and fight against even if costs them their Earth lives. Our messages are serious, says Valient Himself. If the shit went down, I would be out in the streets and wouldn't be afraid to die for my beliefs, he continues, clearly perplexed by Earthlings fixation with the afterlife and lack of respect for their own planet. Id rather be an example of how people should live their life; I'm not worried about what comes afterwards.

But Valient Thorr's message would be nothing without the music, and thats the real centerpiece of Legend Of The World. Recalling acts like Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden, Kiss and the Hellacopters, the bands modern take on classic rock is a refreshing blast in todays oversaturated pop-punk market. Rezerection features harmonized hammer-ons and blazing leads; False Profits condenses all the best aspects of glam-metal into three minutes; and the driving Exit Strategy is the perfect backdrop for Valient Himself to preach his anti-war teachings to those of you keen enough to listen.

And if you're too busy watching Fox News to give Valient Thorr a chance, well, chances are they're invading your town soon. The band spent nearly 300 days on the road last year with acts as diverse as Comeback Kid, High On Fire and Strung Out, and this year they'll be spending another summer on the Vans Warped Tour to spread their Gospel and show that even in a world as mixed-up as this one, Rock N Roll is still the one thing that can bring true salvation,

But don't take our word for it: Put in Legend Of The World, crank it up and lose yourself in the music. Ultimately, Valient Thorrs kindred spirit Rob Tyner from the MC5 put it best when he proclaimed, Kick out the jams, Motherfucker!