Revolution Saints – Rise

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REVOLUTION SAINTS is a band stacked to succeed. It features industry titans Doug Aldrich (LION, HURRICANE, WHITESNAKE, DIO, BURNING RAIN) on guitar, Deen Castronovo (BAD ENGLISH, JOURNEY, HARDLINE, DEAD DAISIES) on drums, and Jack Blades (NIGHT RANGER, DAMN YANKEES, SHAW/BLADES) on bass. When you take this level of talent and pair it with the likes of Alessandro Del Vecchio, Frontiers Records own “Man of a Thousand Faces” producing it, you have dynamite on a disc. The pedigree alone is as impressive as any supergroup ever brought into existence.

The songs on “Rise,” the third release from REVOLUTION SAINTS, are a well-written and produced blend of the heavy Classic Rock sound and some beautiful ballads. Most of the tunes here (9 of 11) feature, at least, a co-writing credit for Del Vecchio, who also serves as an able keyboardist and backing vocalist. I have admired his ability with his own EDGE OF FOREVER, and he holds nothing back here.

The album opens with the JOURNEY-esque “When the Heartache Has Gone,” and you know immediately that these artists are exactly what you would expect them to be. The song is melodic, well-written, and as solid as anything in constant radio rotation at the moment. Castronovo’s voice (Sorry, DEEN) instantly draws comparison to a younger Steve Perry. Doug Aldrich’s guitar work is stellar, not only here, but throughout the entire record. Blades, who is one of the most rock-solid bassists in the industry, works his ass off as well. It is a great opener.

“Price We Pay” is another example of great melodic songwriting ability. Penned solely by Del Vecchio, the song features a shared lead vocal between Castronovo and Blades and some gorgeous harmonies on the choruses and bridge. I would assume it to be no great surprise that Aldrich turns up around the mid-way point and absolutely sets fire to the track with a guitar solo. That guy’s ability with a Les Paul in his hands amazes me, and truly has throughout his career.

There are many examples of fantastic musicianship across the board here. Everyone involved is in top form. The production level is also incredible, with a crisp mix and fantastic clarity. One other point that does deserve mention is the work of Jack Blades. He quietly takes a back seat on most of these cuts, but when he shines, he SHINES. The album’s closer, the beautiful piano and acoustic guitar ballad “Eyes of a Child,” was written by Jack and friend/sometime bandmate Tommy Shaw, and his vocal delivery on the tune is amazing.

A fantastic release. If you, like me, crave the days of melodic Hard Rock ‘n’ Roll, run after this one.

Songwriting: 10
Musicianship: 10
Memorability: 10
Production: 10