LIFELINE – Scream [Japanese edition] (2015)

“Scream” is the title of the stunning debut album from British combo LIFELINE combining two very talented vocalists in Nigel Bailey (Bailey, Three Lions) and Lee Small (Shy, Phenomena). Add to that the skills of Paul Hume (LawLess, Demon) on guitars, Steve Clarkson (Bailey) on drums and Andy Bailey (Three Lions, Bailey) on the keys and you have a heart pumping-monster of a debut album.
This Japanese Edition includes the bonus track ‘Salvation’, a rocking piece with killer chorus well worthy to treasure.

Basically, “Scream” is a hard hitting album of classic melodic hard rock served in a cup of AOR accessibility. And a darn fine one.
From the very first riffs of the album’s opening track ‘Fear No More’ you know you are listening to something special; two great vocalists and a kick ass band. We slide effortlessly into track 2, ‘Far From Home’ which opens with gut busting riffs that turns into a melodic rock-fest of a track. Great vocals from Lee delivering such a soulful melodic performance, then midway through Nigel takes over the vocal duties and is no slouch in this department.

All throughout the album you have the sense that we are almost in the midst of a vocal duel. Switching from Nigel to Lee, and then both together and it carries well. Very well indeed. They display a chemistry between them that seems to blend onto each track. It feels as if it was just meant to be.

Up next is the lead single ‘Jezebel’, which is really good but to me the first two songs are stronger and more representative of the general sound of the band. The intro to ‘Nightmare Dream’ actually reminds me of Dokken, whilst not a bad thing the theme of the songs invokes Phil Lynott/Gary Moore’s Out In The Fields and Moore’s After The War.
‘Feels Like Love’ meanwhile comes over like a British take on Danger Danger’s brand of AOR, mixed up with some FM. Title track ‘Scream’ is a real rocker with thundering drums, big bass and a guitar attack to take you on a joyride of six-stringed pleasure. Not forgetting the vocals of ‘Lee & Nigel’. This one will have you foot-tapping and head banging within seconds.

‘Danger In The Sky’ brings the pace back down to an even melodic keel. Great vocals again go back and forth between the two power men. Great catchy chorus in this track and is backed by the ever tight rhythm section. Oh, there is an awesome solo thrown in for good measure.
‘Now His Angels Gone’ is a beautiful song in every way. From the haunting piano, through to the delivery of vocals and harmony provides the evidence of how well this track is written.

Fundamentally, Lifeline’s “Scream” is the proverbial match made in Melodic Hard Rock heaven: solid tunes delivered by exceptional players lead by a couple of marvelous vocalists. This is a project / record that deserves their spot at the pinnacle and apex of this music genre.
Melodic Hard Rock is in such a healthy state right now that classy albums like “Scream” can only help the cause. The band are totally British with an AOR tinge to their sound, and it’s the kind of album that you get when you mix Three Lions with Shy and Phenomena.
One of the albums of the year, yes folks.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

スクリーム【ライフライン】[RBNCD-1195]

01 – Fear No More
02 – Far From Home
03 – Jezebel
04 – Nightmare Dream
05 – Feels Like Love
06 – Scream
07 – Danger In The Sky
08 – Destination Freedom
09 – A Fortunate Man
10 – Now His Angels Gone
11 – Mary Jane
12 – Dark Skies
13 – Salvation (Japanese Bonus Track)

Lee Small – Vocals (Shy, Surveillance, Phenomena)
Nigel Bailey – Vocals, Bass (Three Loins, Bailey)
Paul Hume – Guitars, Backing Vocals (Demon, Lawless)
Andy Bailey – Keyboards, Backing Vocals (Three Lions, Bailey)
Steve Clarkson – Drums, Backing Vocals (Bailey)

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www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/DAKRBNCD-1195
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