Frontiers Music s.r.l.
Release: 24 January 2020
Line-up:
Deen Castronovo: lead vocals, drums
Jack Blades: bass, vocals
Doug Aldrich: guitars
Tracklist:
Line-up:
Deen Castronovo: lead vocals, drums
Jack Blades: bass, vocals
Doug Aldrich: guitars
Featuring:
Alessandro Del Vecchio: keyboards, backing vocals,
Lunakaire: guest vocals on “Talk to Me”
As I quickly approach 50, I often reflect on my younger years- especially in relation to music. Music has been one of the biggest driving forces in my life since I can remember. There are very few memories in my life that don’t either directly correlate to some song or band or some happening that can easily come to the forefront of my thoughts by hearing a band. Despite age and other things clouding some of these memories, so far, I haven’t forgotten the music. What may be lost on the younger generation who is constantly inundated with new bands/artists crawling out of the woodwork, latches on strongly for us older folks: it seemed to mean more when a band started or a band that had been around was releasing new music. Instead of going to an actual store to purchase a new album on the day of release we can now have it delivered to our homes or download it to our computers. The technological age is a wonder, but I feel that sometimes it takes away from what made music buying so special in the old days. Maybe this explains the resurgence with the buying of vinyl. I’m pining for the old days because a band like Revolution Saints is a band whose sound is very much of that era. The new album, Rise, is no exception.
There are so many reasons why I am a fan of this project. It’s a powerful trio of some extremely talented guys. Deen Castronovo pounding the skins and laying down some stunning vocals, not hiding similarities to the mighty Steve Perry whose songs Deen performed for many years as a member of Journey. Add to that one of the original masters of Melodic Hard Rock from the 80’s, Jack Blades of Night Ranger supplying bass and vocals as well. Toss in Doug Aldrich of Lion, Whitesnake, Dio, and The Dead Daisies you have a concise unit of guys who are the best in the game of melodic music. Rise is their third album and shows no signs of letting up. Some complained that the last album was a little ballad heavy, so this one has more rocking songs to it. Whether they’re doing rockers or ballads, Revolution Saints are guaranteed to knock it out of the park. If I were to level any complaint it would only be that there isn’t anything different here from the last two, other than another collection of excellent songs. Of course, for me, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
I would love to see Revolution Saints go from project to band, but as busy as they stay with their main bands, I understand why this is only on the side. If they still have the time to pop out a new album every so often, I will be plenty happy. Rise is a fantastic album that will please a great many people, but I can already hear derision about it. I don’t care what anyone says, this is an excellent album, and fits nicely with the previous albums, and I would wager will continue to do so when they next album comes out, because I’m confident there will be another.
Written by: Chris Martin
Ratings: 8/10