Five Albums That Changed My Life: Leigh Kakaty of Pop Evil

Pop Evil just kicked off a U.S. tour with Canadian rockers Theory of a Deadman. Out in support of their 2011 War of Angels album, Pop Evil have built a loyal audience with their hook-filled take on hard rock.

The band formed in Michigan, back in 2001, and their 2008 debut album, Lipstick on the Mirror, became a sleeper hit. Radio hits like "Hero," "Somebody Like You" and "100 in a 55" helped Pop Evil become one of America's most promising melodic rock acts.

Now with War of Angels in stores and the band rocking out on tour, Pop Evil vocalist Leigh Kakaty is the latest musician to take part in Noisecreep's 'Five Albums That Changed My Life' series.

Rage Against the Machine, Rage Against the Machine (1992)

"Their debut album changed everything for me with hard rock music. When I first heard "Killing in the Name" I knew I wanted to pursue being a musician. This album was always and still is in my car. It can always be heard on full blast! I really do feel this is a timeless album."

La Sexorcisto: Devil Music, Vol. 1, White Zombie (1992)

"I can still remember "Thunder Kiss '65" blaring loud in Walkman headphones before high school warm-ups. Gotta love Zombie's vocal presence, and the guitar work was just insane on every tracks. This album is a big part of our pre-show ritual and is a heavy influence in the way Pop Evil writes."

Shake Your Money Maker, The Black Crowes (1990)

"Are you kidding me! "She Talks to Angels," what a masterpiece. I can remember many of days sitting around with friends on the Great Lakes throwin' back a few, singing along to this song. This album never gets old. Man, I would love to share the stage with these guys."

Back in Black, AC/DC (1980)

"Easily one of the greatest ROCK albums of all time for me. This album had it all groovin' melodies, epic guitars, and songs that even your grandma can sing along too. Back in Black is a timeless piece of art."

Burnin', The Wailers (1973)

"Growin up in West Michigan, on the Great Lakes, there was always Bob Marley on. This was one of my favorite albums to kick it with on a pontoon boat with the acoustic guitars. You always have a good party goin when the feel-good Wailers are cranking on the loud speakers. Lots of good memories with this album."

Catch Pop Evil out on tour with Theory of a Deadman:

4/11 Augusta, Ga. The Country Club

4/13 Cherokee, N.C. Harrah's Cherokee – Event Center

4/15 Atlanta, Ga. The Masquerade

4/17 Norfolk, Va. The NorVA

4/18 Wallingford, Ct. The Dome at Oakdale

4/20 Allentown, Pa. Crocodile Rock

4/21 Watertown, N.Y. McVean Auditorium

4/22 Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The Chance

4/24 Portland, Maine State Theatre

4/25 Lancaster, Pa. Chameleon Club

4/27 Sayreville, N.J. Starland Ballroom

4/28 Buffalo, N.Y. Town Ballroom

4/29 South Bend, Ind. Club Fever

5/1 Grand Rapids, Mich. The Orbit Room (Stellar Revival Only)

5/4 Chicago, Ill. House of Blues

5/5 Mankato, Minn. Verizon Wireless Center

5/8 Wichita, Kan. The Cotillion

5/9 Columbia, Mo. The Blue Note

5/11 Metropolis, Ill. Harrah's Metropolis