So good, we wrote about it twice.........
Words by Charles Patterson
Revolution Saints first hit the headlines in 2015 with their debut album, before bursting into the US Billboard Top 100 with 2017's follow-up Light In The Dark. And while many are changing their ways with new year's resolutions, the supergroup trio are very much sticking to their guns with melodic rock reminiscent of the 80s glory days.
But rather than being a cheap imitation, Rev Saints are the real thing. Bassist Jack Blades has been with Night Ranger on-and-off since 1979, Deen Castronovo is Journey's longest serving drummer to date, and Doug Aldrich spent more than a decade with Whitesnake.
The first single to be released from Rise, When The Heartache Has Gone, is an energetic opener with powerful riffs, and a spectacular solo from Aldrich. Price We Pay and Rise follow in the same suit – anthems perfect for belting out with the windows down on a summer's day.
Closer marks the halfway point of the album and is a distinct change. Indeed, it signals the band are more than a one-trick pony, as they slow things down but still produce a beautiful guitar solo with catchy lyrics, crying out “Are we closer to our souls?”.
Talk To Me, the album's seventh track, features beautiful guest vocals from Lunakaire. It feels a more mainstream offering, not as heavy but sure to be popular with the masses. The following three tracks are all solid efforts, but if the old cliché about saving the best 'til last counts for anything, it's here.
In Eyes Of A Child, Rev Saints have produced a poignant acoustic ballad with a hint of piano and strings. Definitely not what you'd expect from the trio, but it's nice to see they have this type of song in their locker.
On the whole, Rise is a continuation from their first two albums – melodic, guitar-driven rock that we've come to associate with Messrs Aldrich, Blades and Castronovo in their various projects over the last few decades. And while you could argue this album maybe doesn't have a standout anthem, it's certainly a worthy addition to any rock collection.
Words by Adrian Ball
Hot on the heels of two previous albums, Revolution Saints return with a superb new release Rise, releasing via Frontiers on 24th January.
The band has a CV to die for with previous work including Whitesnake, Dio, Night Ranger, Journey, Bad English and The Dead Daises - that’s a hell of a pedigree. Doug Aldrich on guitar, Deen Castronovo lead vocals and drums then Jack Blades with bass and vocal duties.
This is an album containing stunning melodic rock tracks though out, each one written and executed to the highest standards. Every moment of every song gets your feet tapping, head nodding and puts a big grin on your face as you indulge in the audio heaven that is pure AOR.
An album of this quality needs to be enjoyed and savored in full, but also contains many stand out moments such as the opening track When The Heartache Has Gone which launches an attack on your senses straight out of the starting gate, setting the standard for the rest if the album. The title track is a superb piece of work with its upbeat rhythm, racy guitar work and quality vocals. Space must also be saved to mention the simple genius that is the ballad Eyes of a Child that was beautifully crafted by Jack Blades and Tommy Shaw.
A simply stunning way to bring back melodic rock of the highest quality.
No comments:
Post a Comment