Label: Frontiers Music
Genre: Melodic Rock
Release Date EU: September 16th, 2022
Line Up:
James Christian – Vocals, Guitars
Jimi Bell – Guitars
Mark Mangold – Keyboards
Johan Koleberg – Drums
Tracklist:
Saints And Sinners
House Of The Lord
Take It All
Road Warrior
Mistress Of The Dark
Avalanche
Roll Like Thunder
Razzle Dazzle
Dreamin It All
Takin My Heart Back
Angels Fallen
Even though the term ‘supergroup’ is used almost inflationary these days, House Of Lords was certainly one in their early days. Besides singer James Christian there were Gregg Griuffria, Chuck Wright, Ken Mary, and Lanny Cordola on board; all well-sounding names. This quintet had a major influence on melodic metal and delivered a timeless classic with their second album ‘Sahara’.
Over time, there have been several line-up changes and even though House Of Lords never really delivered bad records, the band led by James Christian was not able to replicate their early successes. Even the newest album ‘Saints and Sinners’ will not change this.
House Of Lords continues to trust in the basic musical formula of the previous releases. On their eleventh studio album great melodies, feelings, and also a certain hardness are in use. And as you would expect, it is the voice of bandleader Christian which is the main driving element on ‘Saints and Sinners’.
AOR is the main musical direction which manifests itself in songs like ‘Take It All’. If you prefer the rockier sounds though, you should try your luck with ‘Road Warrior’. The brisk rock song has a lot of momentum before House Of Lords builds the big melody arches with ‘Mistress of the Dark’.
The one who expects the unstoppable power of an avalanche with ‘Avalanche’ will be disappointed because it is a piano ballad, which soulfully tries to find its way into the heart of the listener. But in order not to get completely lost in the maelstrom of emotions, ‘Roll Like Thunder’ follows, perhaps the best song on the album. Christian and colleagues kick it up a notch and one wonders why they don’t do this more often.
‘Saints and Sinners’ is a rock solid album. James Christian remains true to his musical principles and delivers a record that offers beautiful melodies, a lot of emotion, and sometimes a portion of hardness. Thus, the singer meets all expectations and satisfies the established listeners without taking big risks.
Written by: Markus Wiedenmann
Rating 8/10
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