HINDER welcome to the freakshow UICU-1227

Step Right Up: Hinder’s ‘Welcome To The Freakshow’ Japanese SHM-CD (UICU-1227)

Today’s entry takes us to the American post-grunge and hard rock scene with Hinder’s fourth studio album, “Welcome To The Freakshow.” We are looking at the 2012 Japanese pressing, released on the Republic Records / Thunderball667 label with the catalog number UICU-1227. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.

Issued on December 5, 2012, this release is a premium item for audiophiles as it is pressed on SHM-CD (Super High Material CD). This format allows for enhanced audio transparency and quality playable on standard CD players.

Musically, the album finds Hinder maturing their sound. While it retains the hard-rocking energy of tracks like “Save Me” and “Ladies Come First,” it also leans heavily into the band’s strength for power ballads and melodic rock. Standout tracks include the dramatic “Should Have Known Better” and the emotive “Talk To Me,” offering a diverse mix of gritty rock and radio-friendly hooks.

What makes this Japanese edition essential for collectors is the wealth of exclusive bonus material. It includes five additional tracks not found on the standard release: an alternative version of “Ladies Come First” and acoustic versions of “Save Me,” “Talk To Me,” “Get Me Away From You,” and “See You In Hell.”

UICU-1227 represents the definitive version of this album, combining superior audio format with a generous helping of acoustic bonus tracks that showcase the songs in a stripped-down light.