Album Of The Year 2015 – Number 27
Welcome to day 4 of my countdown of the very best albums released during an insanely strong 2015. A list of the previous entries into the list can be accessed below, so don’t be shy, check them out if you haven’t already done so.
Number 27
Revolution Saints
‘Revolution Saints’
Frontiers Records
Despite my moniker of the Man of Much Metal, I do enjoy the lighter, fluffier side of music occasionally and today’s choice just proves it. Despite the abundance of quality elsewhere, the melodic hard rock genre has not been front and centre of my radar this year. This is partly because I have been inundated with music and haven’t had the chance to explore this genre. It’s also because I’ve not been overly inspired by the output that I have listened to – very little has pressed my buttons. Revolution Saints are the exception to this particular rule however and, despite being released very early in 2015, it has remained my personal favourite throughout the year.
Revolution Saints is comprised of Doug Aldritch (Whitesnake, Dio, Burning Rain), Deen Castronovo (Journey, Ozzy Osbourne) and Jack Blades (Night Ranger, Damn Yankees) with Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Edge Of Forever) also. Whether or not you approve of the term ‘supergroup’, it has some merit here.
Given an unfortunate turn of events surrounding Castronovo’s private life that has seen him fired from the Journey drum stool, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Revolution Saints. I hope it doesn’t spell the end because together on ‘Revolution Saints’, this talented bunch of musicians bring us their vision of AOR-laced melodic hard rock which is very palatable indeed.
My full review of this record can be viewed here, but to quote it briefly: “Given the clientele involved, it is hardly surprising that there are more than a few stylistic nods towards Journey and their particular ilk throughout the album’s 12 tracks. There’s a definite 80s/90s feel to a lot of the content but let’s be honest, that’s no bad thing. But all that being said, Revolution Saints have a definite identity of their own and are in no way a clone or a copycat band, far from it. This is slick, well-executed and confident-sounding music of the highest order.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeZKAVUyKQc&w=560&h=315]
For the most part, Revolution Saints deliver a bright and breezy set of up-tempo rock songs with huge choruses, positive attitude and a swagger that’s hard to ignore. The decision to include no less than four ballads might raise a few eyebrows but they are all well-crafted tracks that avoid any cheesiness thanks to more strong song writing and a clarity of purpose, not to mention great vocals across the board.
No other melodic hard rock/AOR record has plastered as big a smile on my face in 2015 as this has and for that reason alone, Revolution Saints deserve their spot within this end-of-year list. Imagine a summers day with the windows down in the car and think about the music you’d want on the stereo to sing along with…yup, it’s this one without a doubt.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_-oy6dRJt8&w=560&h=315]
Album of the Year 2015 – Number 28
Album of the Year 2015 – Number 29
Album of the Year 2015 – Number 30
And from previous years:
Album of the Year 2014
Album of the Year 2013
Album of the Year 2012
