During an appearance on SiriusXM Fight Nation’s “Busted Open” program, MÖTLEY CRÜE’s bassist Nikki Sixx discussed the band’s latest single, “Dogs Of War”, which became accessible on April 26 through MÖTLEY CRÜE’s fresh collaboration with Nashville’s Big Machine Records.

Nikki expressed (via Blabbermouth):

“Many have claimed it carries a distinct sound, but I must confess, I don’t necessarily concur with that notion. If you dissect the verses, they bear a striking resemblance to much of our previous work — that straightforward, grinding essence paired with those nearly CHEAP TRICK-esque melodies. And the riff, well, it could have been plucked from ‘Dr. Feelgood’. So I don’t perceive it as remarkably divergent. I believe what strikes people as different is that while crafting the song, Tommy [Lee, CRÜE’s drummer] proposed allowing the bottom to drop out in the verses, a departure from our usual approach. Typically, we go all out, and it’s quite distinctive for Vince [Neil, CRÜE’s vocalist].”

Vince interjected: “I’ve never sung in that manner before. Nevertheless, it complements the song.” He further noted that “Dogs Of War” “proved to be quite effortless to perform.”

Nikki delved into the CRÜE’s songwriting dynamics, remarking: “I think what sets our collaborative process apart is our deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. As a lyricist, I’m always mindful of Vince’s pacing as I pen down the words. So while it’s not entirely unprecedented, it’s comforting to have such a profound familiarity with one another, if that makes sense.”

Upon the initial release of “Dogs Of War”, Neil depicted the track as “a fusion of the old and the new. It exudes that vintage essence, yet it’s contemporary music. Nikki conceptualized it and sent me the composition, and I found it rather intriguing. Hence, I commenced vocalizing it, and once we entered the studio, it evolved into the song that I believe the fans will truly appreciate.”