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Resurrection Kings is a new project from Frontiers Records featuring singer Chas West (Bonham/Lynch Mob), guitarist Craig Goldy (Dio, Giuffria, Rough Cutt, Dio Disciples), bassist Sean McNabb (Lynch Mob, Dokken, Quiet Riot), and drummer Vinny Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell). It’s quite a line-up. Being a huge Dio fan I was especially interested in this album as it has not one, but two, ex-Dio members. I’m a huge fan of Craig Goldy’s work in Dio, and also on his solo projects, so I was really happy to see him finally being involved in a new album, his first since the passing of Ronnie James Dio when he played on the very much under-rated 2004 Dio album Master of the Moon. Check out my interview with Craig here for some more in-depth chat about Resurrection Kings and also his time with Dio.
The album kicks off with mid-paced “Distant Prayer”. I was always impressed with Craig’s rhythm guitar playing and he really shines on this track with liberal use of squealing pinched harmonics and other 80’s style trappings. While many rock/metal guitarists stick exclusively to simple power chords Craig is a bit more inventive with the parts he creates. In fact Craig mentions, in interviews, that some parts on the album actually have over twenty recorded guitar tracks.
“Living out Loud” was the first song I heard from the album, you can check out the promo video on YouTube, and for me it’s also one of the strongest tracks on the album. The main riff has a swagger and feel that wouldn’t be out of place on a Whitesnake album. It also has a very Led Zeppelinn’esque keyboard on the chorus. There’s a nice solo from Craig on this one which shows off not only his melodic playing but also showcases his ability to pull off some blisteringly fast runs.
While most of the album consists of mid-paced tracks there is also a ballad in the form of “Never say Goodbye”. I’m not a big fan of ballads but this one works well within the context of the album and probably has Chas West’s best vocal performance on it. The vocals are toned down a bit on this one and I feel this level of intensity really suits his voice which is otherwise pretty much full on throughout the rest of the album.
Another highlight for me is “Had Enough” which is probably my favourite, and also the fastest, track. While the music move along at a high rate of knots Chas has an almost David Coverdale approach to his phrasing which actually really suits the track.
It took me a few listens to get really into it but the album itself is full of catchy hooks that will keep you coming back. The production is flawless as expected on Fronteirs Records and the musicanship is obviously world class. If you’re a fan of Dio, Whitesnake, Rainbow, Jorn, Led Zeppelin, or 80’s rock/metal in general then check it out.
The album is out now on Frontiers Records.
Resurrection Kings track listing:
01. Distant Prayer
02. Livin’ Out Loud
03. Wash Away
04. Who Did You Run To
05. Fallin’ For You
06. Never Say Goodbye
07. Path Of Love
08. Had Enough
09. Don’t Have To Fight No More
10. Silent Wonder
11. What You Take
Resurrection Kings: facebook
