Faithsedge - Bleed For Passion

Faithsedge

Bleed For Passion

by Joseth Radiant at 20 August 2019, 9:50 PM

Usually, when the phrase “supergroup” is thrown around in the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene, to quote the scene’s most prestigious and trusted source of sarcasm The Hard Times, it is synonymous with a group of “assholes kicked out of other bands”. Thankfully, “Bleed For Passion” is not an example of this. Started back in 2011 by Giancarlo Floridia, whose resume includes working with so many multi-platinum artists and producers that are too numerous to mention here, FAITHSEDGE’s fourth album is a continuation of churning out great Hard Rock that is infused with the sound of the late 80’s and early 90’s that we all know and love.

This time around Giancarlo enlisted the talent of individuals whose names are buzzworthy indeed. Alex De Rosso returns on lead guitar bringing his wealth of experience with DOKKEN, as well as sharing the stage with THE SCORPIONS, WHITESNAKE, and RATT amongst many others. Tim Gaines brings his hooky bass playing to this album with a finesse that gives testimony to how much he was a part of the STRYPER sound to each song, while Matt Starr who has previously worked with ACE FREHLEY joins on drums links up with Tim in the rhythm section like a pair of old friends that have been playing together for decades.

What really makes this album enjoyable is the fact that this music feels fresh and vibrant. It does not feel like it was made by some old and crusty rock stars that have been put out to pasture way too long ago that almost have no business making music anymore. No, FAITHSEDGE is here to remind what makes Hard Rock from the 80’s and 90’s so great in the first place while keeping its full-of-piss-and-vinegar energy. Giancarlo’s songwriting is in full-on flex mode here. He avoids the clichés of singing about scoring loads of chicks and consuming massive amounts of mood-altering substances that most people loathe about material from the 80s. He writes about dealing with issues of heartbreak and trust that all of us humans have to come to terms with at some point or another without getting sappy or cheesy. He goes for the gut and pulls no punches with his lyrics.

Fans of DOKKEN will enjoy Alex’s guitar tones, as they are reminiscent of that band’s sounds. Alex is innocent of being a George Lynch clone because he retains a unique sound that is all its own. The tone is certainly inspired by Mr. Lynch, but his technique is distinct and completely adds it's a layer of excellence to the album from start to finish. Also, after his somewhat dubious departure from STRYPER, it brings a smile to my face to see Tim making music again. The harmonies that appear throughout the album have that signature sound that he brings to any project and it is great to see him contributing to such a great band. Matt’s drumming is both powerful and subtle depending on the song is calling for on each tune. He knows when to unleash the fury to get you headbanging and when to lay back to draw the listener into the song. Combining all of these incredibly talented individuals makes for some fabulous Hard Rock music that puts a smile on your face.

As I write album reviews, I always like to pick out one song that I think is the strongest. This is incredibly difficult for me to do because each track is just that great to listen to and experience. You’ll think you’ve got your favorite song on lockdown and then the next one will come on and make you think, “Oh MAN! That’s a killer track, too!” The lyrics make you think and the music makes you move. What more could one ask for? "Bleed For Passion" is an album that will get a lot of play-time for me as time goes on, and yes, as always, BUY THIS ALBUM!!!

Songwriting: 10
Originality: 10
Memorability: 10
Production: 10