By now anyone familiar with Revolution Saints would be aware of the lineup change – Blades and Aldrich out and Pilson and Hoekstra in. Despite that kind of major upheaval, there’s not much difference here. The Deen Castronovo fronted project’s fourth album is more or less exactly the same as the last three. Except the songwriting has grown stale.
The music is still produced and mainly written by Alessandro Del Vecchio again, so you can simply exact more of the same again here. And that’s exactly where the problem is. The songs. They are just a repeat of the material available on the first three albums – right down to style, lyrics and sound.
The songs in particular suffer from a lack of personality. I’ve heard all of this before. Not only the other Rev Saints albums, but on Hardline, Sunstorm, Skills and any number of other ADV penned projects for Frontiers.
While the performances within cannot be faulted – Deen sings with his usual melodic gusto; Jeff Pilson drives the rhythm and Joel Hoekstra shreds like the super-talented madman he is. There are some great solos here especially.
But the songs for the most part go nowhere. The first 3 tracks don’t interest me at all.
‘Kids Will Be Kids’ has a bit more bite and a more memorable hook before the album highlight of the ballad ‘I’ll Cry For You Tonight’ and the darker anthem ‘Crime Of The Century’ add some spark.
After that its back downhill to the usual fare and with it goes my interest in the album overall.
Its simply a superfluous addition to the Revolution Saints catalogue. No growth or development in their sound whatsoever. And the fact two albums were recorded at the same time and a third is planned…leaves one wondering at what point fans will vote with their feet and walk away from this project.
In designing this supergroup, the powers that be could have gone two ways – the Damn Yankees melodic hard rock route, with a more prominent role for Jack Blades’ vocals; or the Journeyesque AOR/melodic rock route, which is what this sounds like.
With superstar drummer and vocalist Deen Castronovo taking on the vast majority of all vocals, Revolution Saints offers Journey fans something with a little more bite.
I would have preferred a Damn Yankees model – where members wrote the songs and were fully utilized and the band had their own identity.
Revolution Saints is very much Deen and Alessandro Del Vecchio’s baby and while once again Alessandro has crafted a strong set of melodic rock friendly songs and a big production, there doesn’t appear to be much of Jack Blades’ personality on here past the opening anthem Light In The Dark.
Doug Aldrich shreds and riffs like the magician he is, but this is Deen’s record. Damn the boy can sing! Whether it’s the uptempo anthemic material or the slow, resolute ballads, Deen gives Steve Perry a run for his money.
Highlights include the perfect stadium anthem Light In The Dark, the slow dark and moody Freedom, the exquisite Journeyesque ballads Wouldn’t Change A Thing and Can’t Run Away From Love, the harder edge of rockers Take You Down and The Storm Inside.
The new album is far more uptempo than the debut, but I still probably prefer that release as the rockers here are good – but there are times where I find my attention drifting when some of the songs tend to sound very similar.
Overall, this can be described as another great slice of European produced melodic rock – even if the 3 principle musicians are all Americans. It doesn’t push any boundaries, but it’s not meant to. The sole purpose of Revolution Saints is to deliver a Journey friendly album of commercial 80s style melodic rock and let Deen sing his heart out. That is delivered with ease and for that reason, fans will love this record.
On this episode, former WHITESNAKE and current The Dead Daisies/Revolution Saints guitarist, Doug Aldrich talks about the new Revolution Saints' Light In The Dark album, re-recording Whitesnake's '87 & Slip Of The Tongue albums, backstage fisticuffs, previous bands including Lion and becoming a painter.
Next up, AUTOGRAPH's STEVE LYNCH talks about their new album Get Off Your Ass, producer Andy Johns and the time he was invited to join KISS.
Finally, former SAMSON & IRON MAIDEN drummer, THUNDERSTICK talks about the early days of both bands, his new album Something Wicked This Way Comes, Steve Harris, Ethel The Frog and much more.
Thirty-seven years after his first interview with Gene Simmons, Mitch gets his second crack at The Demon from KISS. Gene discusses his Vault Box Set, KISS’ 2018 plans and a possible one-off show... Just listen!
Up next is former Journey drummer Deen Castronovo. He discusses the new Revolution Saints album, compares Journey singers, talks about letting down Neal Schon and more.
Finally, go on a walk with Lynch Mob guitarist George Lynch who discusses the band’s new album, his respect for Dokken, the cheese factor of... well, just listen!
REVOLUTION SAINTS—Deen Castronovo (ex-Journey, Bad English), Doug Aldrich (The Dead Daisies, ex-Whitesnake, DIO), Jack Blades (Night Ranger, Damn Yankees)—released the third video, “I Wouldn’t Change A Thing,” from their highly anticipated second album.
It was directed by Maurizio Del Piccolo of Moviedel, and it was shot at Villa Bossi in Bodio Lomnago, Varese, Italy.
“I Wouldn't Change A Thing" was originally written by Richard Page from Mr. Mister,” says Castronovo, “and Serafino wanted us to do it our way. The first time I heard it, I got a bit choked up. It’s a beautiful ballad that Doug got a hold of and put his stamp on it.”
"The song was filmed at magnificent historic home outside of Milano, Italy,” Aldrich continues. “It was a rainy day and really had a great vibe for the video. We spent most of the day going for the basic shots and the actors did the love scenes later. There was some steamy stuff going on in the script and I decided it was a bit too racy for me, so I decided to help the chef with his pesto sauce! It is a beautiful song and a nice video. I was very happy about how the solo guitar worked and Deen just shines!!"
LIGHT IN THE DARK is due out October 13 on Frontiers Music Srl, and will be available on CD, CD/DVD Deluxe Edition (includes live bonus tracks on the CD and on the DVD, footage from the band’s first-ever live performance captured at Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan this past April, a “Making Of” mini-documentary, and music videos for “Light In The Dark” and “I Wouldn’t Change A Thing”), Vinyl, and as a special Limited Edition Box Set (includes the Deluxe Edition CD/DVD, 180g Vinyl, T-shirt (size L), poster, lithograph and sticker). Pre-orders for all formats can be made at the following locations:
LIGHT IN THE DARK builds off the classic melodic rock style of the debut, but fans should prepare for a somehow even more inspired set and a few (pleasant) surprises. Inspiring, uplifting, emotionally powerful, and thoughtful, this album WILL be the soundtrack to many a moment in your life.
After the 2015 release of the self-titled debut album by REVOLUTION SAINTS--Deen Castronovo (ex-Journey, Bad English), Doug Aldrich (The Dead Daisies, ex-Whitesnake, DIO), Jack Blades (Night Ranger, Damn Yankees)—rock fans around the world rejoiced at the inspired musical offering. Those fans will, once again, have cause for celebration as REVOLUTION SAINTS will be releasing their second album later this year. Today, the band has released a video for the title track to the new album, which can be seen here:
LIGHT IN THE DARK is due out October 13 on Frontiers Music Srl. The album will be available on CD, CD/DVD Deluxe Edition (includes live bonus tracks on the CD and on the DVD, footage from the band’s first-ever live performance captured at Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan this past April, a “Making Of” mini-documentary, and music videos for “Light In The Dark” and “I Wouldn’t Change A Thing”), Vinyl, and as a special Limited Edition Box Set (includes the Deluxe Edition CD/DVD, 180g Vinyl, T-shirt (size L), poster, lithograph and sticker).
For LIGHT IN THE DARK, REVOLUTION SAINTS once again teamed up with producer/songwriter Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, JORN), who was also behind the boards for the band’s debut album. Most of LIGHT IN THE DARK was recorded at Del Vecchio’s studios in Somma Lombardo, Italy, with additional recording taking place at Blades’ studio in Washington, Aldrich’s CasaDala studio in Los Angeles, and other countries all over the world while Aldrich was on tour with The Dead Daisies.
“This is a fun band!” exclaims bassist Jack Blades. “I think the fans are going to pick up on the excitement and the shear musical enjoyment we are having. It was great going to Italy to get the album started and film the videos, and the music speaks for itself.”
“’Light In The Dark’ is such a great song,” continues singer/drummer Deen Castronovo. “It was the first one we recorded. We ran through it a few times and nailed it in the first couple takes. We're so excited for everyone to hear this record. We're very happy with what we came up with and can't wait to bring it to everyone live.”
As guitarist Doug Aldrich proclaims, “I’m very excited about REVOLUTION SAINTS’ second record! First I want to say that it's because of huge support from the fans that RS2 happened. Thank you. If you liked #1, I think you'll love this one even more. It’s stronger, and a bit heavier in some spots. We tried a few new things and we can’t wait for our fans to hear it! There’s a very good chance we’ll finally get to play live and we’re currently exploring the possibilities of a tour. For now, get ready, because the album kicks ass and it's comin’ at you real soon!”
REVOLUTION SAINTS was born from the vision of Frontiers' President, Serafino Perugino, who for years had hoped to work on a project highlighting Deen Castronovo’s amazing vocal abilities. Having previously worked with all three artists on different projects on Frontiers, having Deen, Jack and Doug on board together was a dream come true for Perugino.
This time, with one album already under their belt, REVOLUTION SAINTS entered the studio to record the new album more familiar with one another and a clear understanding of where they wanted this to go. As with the first album, Castronovo’s superb vocal talents are in the spotlight on this release and deservedly so. Pretty impressive for a man who is most widely known for his incredible drumming talents. Jack Blades really needs no introduction at this point, but for those who have been living under a rock, his bass and vocal talents are well documented over the years through his work with Night Ranger, Damn Yankees, Shaw/Blades, and more. And, of course, a major feature is the fiery and intense playing from former Whitesnake and DIO guitarist Doug Aldrich, whose blistering guitar fretwork is on full display here.
LIGHT IN THE DARK builds off the classic melodic rock style of the debut, but fans should prepare for a somehow even more inspired set and a few (pleasant) surprises. Inspiring, uplifting, emotionally powerful, and thoughtful, this album WILL be the soundtrack to many a moment in your life.
The music media had a lot of praise for the band’s self-titled debut album:
“The 2015 eponymous debut album from rock supergroup Revolution Saints showcases the outfit's swaggering, guitar-based sound..Together, these titans of rock have crafted a soaring, lick-ripping album of classic '70s- and '80s-influenced hard rock.” -- AllMusic
“REVOLUTION SAINTS is what you should expect: sharply played, always harmonious retro hard rock...a classy, melodious and sentimental walk back to when commercial hard rock was king. An album like this in 1986 would've been an automatic chart burner and cheers to Blades, Castronovo and Aldrich for treating this moment like an automatic chart burner is imperative to their inner fabrics.” – Blabbermouth
“...a remarkable album full of winners.” – Rockrevoltmagazine
“The bottom line here is that Revolution Saints are a damn good band...This is just good music, well written, well sung and well played. Nice job guys!” – Classicrockrevisited
“These are uplifting, joyful songs and there is no brooding melancholy here. They are inspiring, positive and full of sunshine. Everyone involved is musically perfect and flawless...A fine addition to any music collection, Revolution Saints is well worth the investment.” – CrypticRock
“Revolution Saints are being dubbed ‘the musicianship to die for’ and one of the most interesting collaborations in the recent history of rock. Guessing by their first effort, there’s neither a pomposity nor an exaggeration to such statements. Revolution Saints is, to put it simply, an instant melodic rock classic standing up to reputation of all parts involved...what is perhaps the album’s strongest point is the material itself, 12 songs distinguished not only by the extraordinary performance, but also by the high quality songwriting. Intertwining soaring power ballads with fiery guitar-laden tunes, all of them embroidered with perfectly crafted melodies, Revolution Saints is not only a must for all Night Ranger/Journey/Whitesnake fans. It actually goes far beyond the musicians’ collective resumes with its catchy-yet-tasteful melodies and classic hard rock flavors.” -- Hardrockhaven
To all of the loyal REVOLUTION SAINTS fans, prepare to have your patience rewarded beyond your wildest dreams with this album! Understand this clearly, REVOLUTION SAINTS is HERE TO STAY!
Here’s the complete track listing for LIGHT IN THE DARK:
1. Light In The Dark
2. Freedom
3. Ride On
4. I Wouldn’t Change A Thing
5. Don’s Surrender
6. Take You Down
7. The Storm Inside
8. Can’t Run Away From Love
9. Running On The Edge
10. Another Chance
11. Falling Apart
12. Back On My Trail (live, bonus track on deluxe edition only)
13. Turn Back Time (live, bonus track on deluxe edition only)
14. Here Forever (live, bonus track on deluxe edition only)
15. Locked Out Of Paradise (live, bonus track on deluxe edition only)
Bonus DVD contents:
--REVOLUTION SAINTS live at Frontiers Rock Festival (“Back On My Trail,” “Turn Back Time,” “Here Forever,” “Locked Out Of Paradise”)
REVOLUTION SAINTS head into the studio next week in Italy to start the recording of their highly anticipated second record with producer Alessandro Del Vecchio, who also produced the debut album.
Deen Castronovo (ex Journey, Bad English), Doug Aldrich (The Dead Daisies, ex Whitesnake/David Coverdale, Ronnie James Dio), and Jack Blades (Night Ranger, Damn Yankees) will record a scorching set of songs written by Doug and Alessandro between the end of 2016 and early 2017.
In between recording sessions, Revolution Saints will make their official live debut at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo (Milan, Italy) where they will be performing a setlist of songs from their first album, plus a few surprises! The band hopes to do more shows to promote the forthcoming album, which is currently set for a release in early October.
In the show's only interview, drummer Deen Castronovo comes clean about his his arrest, drug problems and domestic abuse charges that led to his firing from Journey, being sober one year, seeking redemption, how being fired from Ozzy Osbourne's band impacted his life and much more.
Quote from the interview:
time 3.22: "I was thrown in jail for fifteen days which was honestly... I thank the police to this day. It saved my life. It really did."
time 3.59: "God is restoring my life now."
time 6.44: "It started when I got fired from Ozzy. I was so depressed and so miserable and just heartbroken, devastated... That I figured you know what - I'm going to numb myself."
Alessandro Del Vecchio, renowned producer, keyboardist and singer has launched a new website at www.alessandrodelvecchio.com where you can find all info related to his works.
Alessandro has had a busy year, with REVOLUTION SAINTS, BAILEY and KELLY KEELING plus the upcoming RESURRECTION KINGS album.
RESURRECTION KINGS features Chas West (vocals), Craig Goldy (guitars), Sean McNabb (bass) Vinny Appice (drums). Their debut album is due in the first quarter of 2016.
The new release from Revolution Saints drops this week and Doug Aldrich returns to the Focus On Metal show to give all the lowdown on it. Doug also gives some insight into his decision to leave Whitesnake as well as an update on what's going on with Burning Rain and his hometown gig with Raiding The Rock Vault.
Out this week ... awesome KILLER issue with interviews with Scorpions, UFO, Thunder, Toto, Revolution Saints (all 3 members), Jeff Scott Soto, ISSA, Blind Guardian, H.e.a.t, China Sky, Eclipse, Ammunition, Care of Night, Angra, Reach, Furyon, Orden Ogan, Leah, The Answer, Gun, Wolfpakk, Sweet & Lynch, Impera, Blackberry Smoke, Last Autumn's Dream and many more!! Wonderful AOR packed 100 page issue. Also includes competition to win one of 3 pairs of tickets to the fantastic Vasby festival where you can check out bands like WASP, Danger Danger, Magnum, X-Rated, MSG, Heaven & Earth, Work of Art, H.e.a.t, Eclipse and many more this July 17th/18th in Sweden.
Throw in 36 pages of the best melodic and hard rock reviews, and you have another issue packed to over-flowing.
Available NOW in WH Smith stores across the UK, this issue will reach USA and Canada late March. You can also pick up hard copies directly from the Fireworks mini-shop at www.rocktopia.co.uk, and download pdf version also available for only 3GBP in the download store.
REVOLUTION SAINTS & BURNING RAIN guitarist, DOUG ALDRICH, joins Mitch in this episode of ONE ON ONE WITH MITCH LAFON to discuss his great new band REVOLUTION SAINTS which includes NIGHT RANGER's Jack Blades and JOURNEY's DEEN CASTRONOVO. Doug talks about how the band and album came together, his time with Lion, DIO, Hurricane and WHITESNAKE, working for the Raiding the Rock Vault show in Las Vegas. He also discusses the recent 'Twitter War' with Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider and explains that David Coverdale and he 'weren't on the same page' as one of the reasons he needed to depart Whitesnake.
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Frontiers Music srl is proud to present the new issue of MELODIC ROCK FANZINE. The 66th release of the label's successful magazine is available for free all over the world through record shops, mailorders and every fine dealer carrying the Frontiers Music srl releases.
This new issue includes reviews and interviews of Revolution Saints, Issa, Dracula, Eclipse, Uriah Heep, Blind Guardian, U.D.O, Ammunition, Care of Night, Level 10, Sweet & Lynch, Pat travers Band. and more!
Electronic readable version of the magazine is available on the Frontiers Music srl official site and here.
