From
www.melodicrock.com
Pre-View: House Of Lords - World Upside Down (Frontiers Records, May 19, 2006) - House Of Lords caused a stir with their last studio album The Power & The Myth, perhaps for the wrong reasons though. The record found it's fans, but a good portion on the traditional HOL fanbase were unhappy with the change in style and direction taken by the band.
It wasn't just the style - it was also the time taken in getting the record done and singer James Christian also came under fire for his vocal performance
World Upside Down is some quirky way is an apt title for this new album. Since the last record everything has been turned upside down. In comes a new line-up...the record was recorded in quick time...and stylistically the band reverts back to everything that made the HOL name great.
I'm not entirely sure that keyboard maestro Gregg Giuffria plays a single note on this record, but his presence is felt through either co-writing credits or advice handed out on how to make a great HOL record.
Captain of the ship James Christian steers the band through rocky waters into a glorious bay of harmonies, wailing guitars, huge choruses and a big fat production sound that sees this album stand proudly between the self-titled debut and Demon's Down.
World Upside Down delivers everything that the traditional House Of Lords fan could want and then some. James Christian himself sounds on fire and delivers some passionate and fiery vocals not heard since Demon's Down.
This record is the very definition of melodic hard rock and for me blows the last album and even James' 2 solo records out of the water.
Track preview:
Mask Of Eternity - A nice typically overblown intro that signals the band's intentions with this record - blazing guitars and an epic production.
These Are The Times - A strong opening track and a typical HOL styled uptempo melodic rocker. A strong chorus is amplified by some big vocals and a hearty guitar riff. Welcome back guys!
All The Way To Heaven - Another trademark HOL track, but this time relying on the band's knack of serving up a rock anthem wrapped up in a moody, angst filled delivery. Some big backing vocals and a very melodic chorus.
Field Of Shattered Dreams - A huge power rock ballad with a chorus that seems to go on forever and featuring some amazing harmony vocals. A message for all those serving their country overseas during this time of conflict.
I'm Free - Less emphasis on the chorus here, which varies up the record a little. This is a heavier and darker rocker with an aggressive edge in the vocals and lead guitar.
All The Pieces Falling - A more traditional and heartfelt ballad with lots of acoustic guitars and some soaring vocals.
Rock Bottom - Another uptempo hard rocker with big groove and big attitude. A bit of a throw-away kind of rocker, but good fun. Guitar riffs reminds me of that true HOL sound.
Million Miles - Everything I love about JC and HOL. Uptempo, cool guitar riff and extremely melodic during the verse and a big melodic anthem chorus. Love it.
Your Eyes - Starts slow and remains mid-tempo and is a ballad of sorts, but a rock ballad with another big catchy harmony filled chorus. A nice guitar solo just adds to the enjoyment.
Ghost Of Time - Another uptempo, very melodic and very passionate rocker with a superb chorus. Following on from Million Miles - the two songs remind me of the closing tracks on the band's killer debut - where every song was more melodic bliss and you couldn't believe one track just followed the other.
My Generation - Turing up the heat again here with a gritter, dirtier rocker along the same lines as I'm Free, but with a bigger and better chorus and lots of drum rhythms. Makes for a nice circuit breaker between anthems.
S.O.S In America - And this track is one of those anthems. Adding to the glorious melodic bliss of Million Miles and Ghost Of Time. Incredibly commercial and utterly brilliant - verse, chorus and big finale.
World Upside Down - Closing the album on a somewhat reflective note, this track is a mid-tempo ballad with a little orchestral padding.
Full review coming up very shortly. Soundbytes for every track online as of today in the World Upside Down showcase. (
http://www.melodicrock.com/showcase/houseoflords-worldupsidedown.html )
They have a new one coming out in May, so I've attached a link to the samples. It sounds like great stuff, so check it out.
