Frontiers/BAM
1989 marked the debut of HOUSE OF LORDS. The big sounding hair band sported the vocals of James Christian, guitarist Lanny Cordola (ex. FIFTH ANGEL), keyboard wizard Gregg Giuffria (ex ANGEL, ex.GIUFFRIA), bass profile Chuck Wright (ex QUIET RIOT) and drummer Ken Mary (ex.ALICE COOPER). One thing lead to another, changes and break-ups and the end in the early nineties was inevitable. The band resurfaced in 2001 with the most controversial of their all in all eleven albums (lost tapes, live etc), “The Power and the Myth”. After that excursion James Christian brought the band back into arena rock, backed by JImi Bell, guitars, BJ Zampa, bass, and drummer Chris McCarvill. Their last effort, Cartesian Dreams” was a craftsmanship in the most polished fashion, what is this one like?
Well, the title track is probably their weakest in years. It rolls along but never really takes off. The rockier “One Man Down” has a long acoustic intro before taking off, but it works. My heartbeat goes faster to “First to Cry” though. Now we´re talking, the good ole HOUSE OF LORDS, with a pomp setting, a refrain to die for and the keyboard framing the rest of the music. The rest of the album hovers around the “a cut above” to the “good” mark. Not really the same spark as their heyday, but still a mighty fine effort. I believe they have spoilt me over the years. The AOR is augmented by rockier features, and the variation is there. All in all, the band still holds out, but the average song may be one inch above the previous albums. The album is still a fine effort to be counted with.
Track List
Big Money
One Man Down
First to Cry
Someday When
Searchin´
Living in a Dream World
The Next Time I Hold You
Run for Your Life
Hologram
Seven
Once Twice
Blood
www.frontiers.it www.myspace.com/jameschristianhouseoflords
