CD REVIEW: RESURRECTION KINGS – Resurrection Kings

Label: Frontiers Music srl

Release Date: January 29, 2016

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Frontiers Records have been the champions when it comes to tossing together rockers and coming up with a disc full of winners lately.  With Resurrection Kings, Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino has struck gold again.  “Distant Prayer” kicks the disc off with screaming guitars layered with chugging riffs, thunderous drums, pounding bass, and classic 80’s rock vocals.  This blend of classic 70’s snippets and 80’s rock goodness is enough to get the head banging, the horns in the air, and the blood pumping.  “Livin’ Out Loud” opens with drum fills from the one and only Vinnie Appice, only to be quickly joined by chugging riffs and soaring vocals.  The bass provides a sexy undertone that adds depth to the track, especially when coupled with the keyboards.  “Who Do You Run To” comes at you swinging, thanks to lead guitars, pings, squeals, and so much more compliments of Craig Goldy.  The vocals add to the magic, but the underlying rhythm section helps control the ebb and flow of the song.  “Never Say Goodbye” is a power ballad that benefits from lead singer Chas West’s vocal quality and sound.  His voice delivered the emotional lyric and adds to the discs 1980’s sound.  The blend of the different players, vocals, lyrics, and overall sound would have produced a killer MTV video back in the day – hopefully radio grabs this one now.  “Had Enough” brings a bit of a different sound to the track via the guitar intro.  Once the keyboards kick in, the song charges forward and doesn’t slow down.  A bluesy rock vibe is woven into the tracks sound, accentuated by Sean McNabb’s thumping bass and West’s vocal texture.

“Wash Away” is a track that sounds as if it were ripped straight out of 1987.  The keyboard swirling underneath the guitars of Goldy add to the tracks layered feeling.  The song seems to come alive at the chorus, thanks to West’s range and delivery.  “Fallin’ For You” brings more classic riffs to the mix, as well as pulsating bass lines and dynamic vocals that build from the verse into the chorus, creating a rich tone and sound.  “Path Of Love” is another song that sounds as if it were ripped from the 80’s, after being mishandled by the 70’s.  The keyboard sound drives the track, while Goldy’s riffs and McNabb’s bass lines handle the steering.  “Don’t Have To Fight No More” brings a big guitar sound to the disc, with solos in the intro that rival anything on the disc – this release features a ton of great guitar parts.  The thunderous sound of the rhythm section mixed with the tempo shifts give this song a bit of character and sets it apart from some of the others on this release.  “Silent Wonder” has more of a classic 70’s rocker that features keyboards and guitars that run tandem throughout the song and support the lofty vocals and the wall of sound background at the chorus.  Disc closer “What You Take” has a different groove than other tracks, but it fits within the mold created by the prior ten songs.  The drums are heavy and full without being overbearing, while the guitars and keyboard chug in the mix.  The bass jumps in and helps buoy the song underneath the vocals, which are a bit bluesier and earthier than others on the disc.

​​Tracklisting: Distant Prayer – Livin’ Out Loud – Wash Away – Who Do You Run To – Fallin’ For You – Never Say Goodbye – Path Of Love – Had Enough – Don’t Have To Fight No More – Silent Wonder – What You Take

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Category: CD Reviews