Review REVOLUTION SAINTS ‘Against the Winds’

I could imagine that the beginning of Revolution Saints wasn’t with the intention of forming a band that would last for several releases. In the beginning the band felt very much like a typical Frontiers Music project. Regardless of what the idea was in the early days, Deen Castronovo had the proper drive to push Revolution Saints forward, resulting in two additional long-players being released. With Jack Blades and Doug Aldrich at Castronovo’s side, the band was able to consolidate their fan base, so it’s no surprise that Revolution Saints are releasing their fourth album.

Against the Winds’ is the tile of the album that, musically, follows the chosen direction and at the same time comes with a major change. It is the line-up that looks slightly different, as Aldrich and Blades have left the band. Finding equally good replacements wasn’t the easiest thing in the world, but Castonovo managed to get two calibres on board. Joel Hoekstra and Jeff Pilson joined the band and allowed Castronovo to continue his musical adventure with Revolution Saints.

Backed by the omnipresent Alessandro Del Vecchio, the band has created an album of hard rock and melodic songs that blossom on first listen. Yet there is enough passion for detail to keep the suspense alive even after a second or third listen. Built on technical prowess and emotional drive, the album represents great craftsmanship and a down-to-earth approach. Commercial success isn’t the main reason why Revolution Saints record an album. Everyone involved finds this in their musical motherships like Journey, Whitesnake, Foreigner,… while this outfit gives the impression of great enjoyment and dedication while also making use of some creative freedom.

It is the title track that kicks-off the album and is the start of a pleasant cruise through eleven well-crafted melodic rock songs of which ‘Fall On My Knees’ and ‘Will She See Me’ stand out as being the rocking lighthouses. Next to these energetic rockers there are the soulful moments like ‘Can’t End It Right Now’ with its sweetened melody. In the end it is a great mix of songs that all contribute to a great flow and easy listening experience.

‘Against The Winds’ is a continuation of what started with the self-titled debut, and it’s the new line-up that brings some new ideas to the plate. It’s a new, vibrant spirit within a familiar framework that will satisfy fans of the band as well as it has the potential of widening the fanbase even more by its positive vibes.