Album Review — Revolution Saints

Revolution Saints — Rise

Revolution Saints, the supergroup featuring Deen Castronovo (Journey), Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, etc.) are back with their latest release, “Rise”. The band was originally an opportunity to feature Castronovo on lead vocals that has now led to three albums.

“Rise” has a similar sound as the previous two records. According to Frontiers Music, the album features “Inspiring, uplifting vocals, soaring melodies and musicianship to die for is what you get in spades here.” I would have to agree. Castronovo’s vocal sound is very similar to that of Steve Perry, even more so than any of Journey’s replacement singers. It’s a good reminder that Journey’s heir apparent to Perry was in the band, but never given the chance.

The album starts with what can only be explained as a modern Journey-esque rocker “When The Heartache Has Gone”. Castronovo’s soaring vocals, just the right amount of keyboard accents, a huge chorus and Aldrich doing his best Neal Schon impression equals a fantastic opening track.

We get a little more vocal work from Blades on “Rise”. “Price to Pay” features Castronovo and Blades trading verses much like Blades and Kelly Keagy do on Night Ranger tracks.

The title track is one of the heavier tracks on the record with Aldrich blazing from the opening riff. Castronovo brings a little more rasp to the vocals which works really well.

We get a couple of ballads. “Closer” starts off with just vocals and piano but builds to a big chorus. “Eyes of a Child” closes the record and surprisingly features Blades on vocals. The track was co-written by Tommy Shaw of Styx which makes me wonder if this was a leftover from a Damn Yankees or Shaw/Blades project.

Other highlights include “Higher”, which again features Castronovo and Blades trading off vocals. “Talk To Me” again features both vocalists but also a third vocalist Lunakaire. I don’t really see the need for the third vocalist, but I like the track nonetheless.

I like every track on “Rise”. What I like about this band is that they sound like Journey with just enough Night Ranger thrown in that they aren’t just a clone. Those were my two favorite bands growing up, so it really is a dream combination for me. Aldrich is simply a fantastic guitarist and has no trouble emulating Neal Schon and adding just enough of his own flare.

I’m sure that as I get more time with the record that certain songs will stand out. But as of my first few listens I like all the tracks but only the opening track really stands out. There’s not a ton of variety here other than rocker vs. ballad. But I like that Blades gets some more vocal time as he and Castronovo sound great together.

Of course I wish this band would tour and write together, but Blades is committed to Night Ranger and the other two are always playing with someone. I think there’s the potential of a truly great record if these three got in the same room for any length of time, but for now, I’ll happily enjoy “Rise” for what it is. A celebration of Journey with a touch of Night Ranger.

90 out of 100

Track Listing

01. When The Heartache Has Gone *
02. Price To Pay *
03. Rise
04. Coming Home
05. Closer
06. Higher *
07. Talk To Me *
08. It’s Not The End (It’s Just The Beginning)
09. Million Miles
10. Win Or Lose
11. Eyes Of A Child

*Best Songs