Johnny Darker, “50 Shotz of Chaos” Review

I have a routine for late night reviews. Roughly it is, see where the cats are in the house, say goodnight to my teenager, get a cup of tea and some dangerously late-night slice of cake, and settle down on the sofa with headphones on. Then it is ‘Eeny, meeny, miny, moe,’ while I select the single or album I am doing.Tonight temptation took me toward a glam-metal artist that I came across on the magazine Instagram. His name is Johnny Darker and he hails from Manchester in the UK.

The press tells me: Johnny has 3 albums out to date, the most recent being ’50 Shotz If Chaos’ which any fans of glam metal bands like Def Leppard and Danger Danger are gonna love – alongside full band live shows currently in the works. Johnny does everything himself, from writing to recording and mixing, as well as promotion – because look at what they’ve got rockstars doing these days.

My Review.

The album was released on February 27, 2026. It is available on all platforms now and has 9 songs running to just under 35 minutes. It is out on all major streaming platforms now.

“I Wanna Rock You” – opens with a Poison-style ‘80s sound. It brings in a bright guitar sound (Bruce Kulick on the Crazy Nights album), early morning commercial rock radio sound with a sing along chorus.

“One More Ride” is a stronger number than the opener. It has a Bon Jovi feel to it, a Southern feel and it delivers a strong driving and listening groove. I liked this one and I’m sure it would sound great live too. This is a track you would put on the jukebox while you were playing pool back in the day (where did they all go, the jukeboxes?).

“Jimmy’s Got A Rocket” – Jimmy has a rocket, Ace Frehley took us on a rocket ride! This is another of those confident glam style rockers. You can tell Johnny Darker is having a load of fun with the track.

“Easy Way Out” is a little different, a touch heavier. I liked the drum sound and the vocal performance is good here too. This is the first track so far to be under 4 minutes, it slips neatly through the headphones with a crunchy guitar and a pumped fist.

“Fine” is a southern rock style ballad, Bon Jovi in “Dead or Alive” era. It’s a good track, I liked it. In the album it’s a neat turn and adds a different taste to the whole. Lyrically it is also the strongest on the album as well.

“Gimme A Reason” adds some Status Quo boogie into the mix. If there was a vinyl I’d guess this would open side two with one of those tracks that you enjoy the riffs and remember that rock n’roll still has some twist and shout!

“I (really get) A Kick out of You” is a rough edged ballad. It is one of those “girl you drive me crazy” tracks and reminded me a little of Oasis here and there.

“Freak Out” is the shortest track on the album, running to only 3.02. “It’s a slick rocker—plenty of energy, the energy drink of the pack!”

“Intoxicating” closes us down with some piano and a vocal gear shift. I enjoyed the harmony on the song and it closes the album down on a high.

If Johnny has done everything himself here then hats off to him, indie glam rock that deserves a listen. I’m glad I spent time with the album as it has many high points, notably “One More Ride” and “Fine” I will return to. Indie, unapologetic, and clearly made with a love for the genre—Johnny Darker’s “50 Shotz of Chaos” hits more than it misses. Worth your time, worth a spin, and deserving of attention. It’s well crafted and I enjoyed the listen.

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You can stream music by Johnny Darker here