For those of you who are unaware Serafino Perugino is the man behind Frontiers Records, an Italian label specializing in Melodic Rock and AOR as well as some out of the box bands. In addition to up and comers, the label is also home to such veteran acts as NIGHT RANGER, STRYPER, WINGER, PRIMAL FEAR, and more. With such an immense roster of talent, it’s only natural that Serafino would have the desire to put together some Supergroups, and he has. SWEET & LYNCH is one such example that had amazing results. Well now we have another one in REVOLUTION SAINTS. You ready for this? Jack Blades on bass and vocals, the mighty Doug Aldrich on guitars, and Deen Castronovo on drums and lead vocals for most of the disc. Oh, and if THAT wasn’t enough, Deen’s JOURNEY bandmates Arnel Pineda and Neal Schon stop by to guest star on two songs.
As you can imagine the twelve tracks on the self-titled debut are rooted firmly in the Melodic Rock/AOR, and why not? It’s what these guys do best, although with Aldrich involved things are a tad heavier than normal. And let’s not forget in-house Frontiers man, Alessandro Del Vecchio who also contributed to the songwriting and played keyboards on the album. The guy knows how to get the best out of a band, and here he is a welcome addition. So what have we got? An album that is very good and something that will satisfy your arena rock fix.
This is evident as soon as opener “Back On My Trail” hits you. It is not only the best way to start the record, but would be an awesome setlist opener if this band were to tour. Track two “Turn Back Time” features Blades and Castronovo doing a duet on the verses and the chorus is big as life for an anthemic feel-good song where Aldrich goes off on his solo in his usual jaw-dropping fashion. This was one that I couldn’t and STILL can’t stop playing it’s so friggin’ good! “You’re Not Alone” is where my boy Arnel makes his appearance and it’s a great one, believe me. Mr. Schon shows up for “Way to the Sun” which is the first mellow tune on the record. The harmonies are sweet and beautiful, and this is another well done song. Deen has some serious fills going on in addition to his awesome vocals.
And now we come to my favorite “Dream On”. I swear, if you’re not ready to hop in a Camaro and floor it down the highway then clearly you don’t know what it feels like to be alive! This could easily be a JOURNEY or NIGHT RANGER song and I’d be there in the front row hopping up and down like a madman, trust me. “Strangers to This Life” is one of those Big-Bam-Boom types of songs you can feel in your chest and want to sing along with at full volume. Same goes for “To Mend a Broken Heart”; it’s another kickass anthem designed to be blared in your car. The record ends on a piano-driven slow song “In the Name of the Father” where Deen truly flexes his vocal muscles to the point that you get chills.
Overall the debut from REVOLUTION SAINTS is a winner on just about every level. Any fan of Melodic Rock will love this one, and rightfully so. REVOLUTION SAINTS comes out February 24 via Frontiers Records.
STANDOUT TRACKS: “Dream On”, “Turn Back Time”, “To Mend a Broken Heart”, “In the Name of the Father”, “Back On My Trail”
RATING: 9/10
