Villain Press No Return Review
Villain Press
No Return
Golden Robot Records
2026
Here’s something that literally just dropped in my lap with little to no PR or even a decent heads-up… Villain Press’s debut EP, “No Return”! If the Villain Press name sounds familiar, it’s because you have taste. The band released a digital cover of Judas Priest’s “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” in 2022 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Priest’s legendary “Screaming For Vengeance” album.
I’m an avid follower of Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys, Broken Teeth, etc.). Scratch that. I’m a rabid follower of the man, and that’s the only reason I’d heard of Villain Press at all. So, yes, McMaster is the frontman of this outfit. Sadly, the PR for this EP has been virtually nonexistent. It was released October 9th with little to no fanfare, but then again, it came out digitally and physically through Golden Robot Records, which tracks. I still don’t understand why you wouldn’t get behind something like this and make some noise.
Villain Press consists of Jason McMaster on vocals, Paul Lidel (Dirty Looks/Dangerous Toys) on guitar, Adam Hamilton (L.A. Guns) on drums, and Joe Punk (Rock N’ Roll & Coffee podcaster) on bass. Joe Punk was the man who brought this outfit together in the first place. From what I understand, these gentlemen had all appeared on his podcast, hit it off, and found enough common ground to turn that kinship into a band. The result is another feather in each of these fellas’ caps, and one worth celebrating.
While “No Return” might be the only release we ever get from this band, it’s more than enough to make its mark. There’s no such thing as too much material featuring McMaster and Paul Lidel. That’s a fact, not fiction. These guys are seasoned veterans with legendary résumés, and when they get together, you know you’re in good hands. No second-guessing, no half-assing, no handholding. They’re whooping ass from the word go!
Given the history these guys have together and the bands they’ve been a part of, you might expect “No Return” to fall under that AC/DC-inspired, stripped-down, no-nonsense Rock N’ Roll banner. But there’s more Hard Rock muscle here than that. This isn’t just a one-stop party soundtrack. There’s substance to these songs, along with a laid-back Rock N’ Roll swagger that’s tough to pin down but feels right at home.
McMaster’s lyrics even take an unexpected turn on “This Ain’t a Race To Be Dead.” It’s a little out of character for a guy whose usual lyrical territory tends to lean in the opposite direction. And that’s refreshing. We all know the man isn’t exactly trying to die young but hearing him approach things from this angle is a welcome change of pace. Meanwhile, Lidel’s riffs fit McMaster’s voice and delivery like a well-worn leather jacket. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering these two have been tearing it up together in Dangerous Toys for years. Lidel’s playing is off the charts, as always, and this is further proof that the man has been criminally underrated in just about every outfit he’s been part of.
The rhythm section of Joe Punk and Adam Hamilton is another pleasant surprise. These guys lock in together beautifully, delivering a tight, confident foundation that you don’t always hear from a studio-based project. There’s no awkwardness, no feeling that four guys were simply brought together to knock out a few tracks. This thing has a pulse, a groove, and a personality of its own.
The only real problem with “No Return” is that it’s an EP. Four tracks, clocking in at around 14 minutes, and then it’s over. That’s barely enough time to get comfortable before the needle hits the runout groove. I want more, damn it! But if you’re a rabid follower of anything McMaster-related, you already know this is the real deal. I’ve had this thing on repeat for days, and it just keeps getting better with every spin.
This is a brilliant Hard Rock release for the Rock Warriors and Lifers among us. No gimmicks, no bullshit, just seasoned Rock N’ Roll veterans doing what they do best. Don’t let the lack of fanfare keep this one off your radar. I strongly suggest grabbing it up right now!
Standouts: There are only four tunes, and they’re all bloody brilliant! “Don’t Go Into The Light,” “Race To Be Dead,” “No Return,” and “Another World.”