Best Melodic Rock album 2016, GOLD Medal : THE DEFIANTS – The Defiants [Japan Edition +1] (2016)

Arguably one of the greatest Melodic Rock albums this year and one that should be in everyone’s Top 10 Best Of list is THE DEFIANTS self-titled release. This Japanese Edition features an exclusive bonus track, and to my ears, the CD sounds much better.

If you’re a Danger Danger fan and miss them (they haven’t done anything new since 2009), be prepared for a real treat: THE DEFIANTS and their self-titled debut on Frontiers Music is simply fantastic.

The Defiants feature Danger Danger stalwarts Bruno Ravel (bass, production) and Rob Marcello (guitars) reuniting with mid-period Danger Danger vocalist Paul Laine.
And you know what? The chemistry is intact!

Let start this review backwards: don’t waste more time and go and buy it this little gem.
This is top notch Melodic Hard Rock / AOR of the finest order. Every song is terrific.
I know it’s well worn accolade, but “it’s all killer, no filler.”

Every song here is packed harmony, melody and rock’n’ groove, lots of catchy hooks in arrangements, lyrics and refrains, plus ripping & roaring guitar solos. Paul Laine has never sounded better: clear, strong, passionate.
The vocal arrangements as a whole are awesomely harmonious throughout.

Song by song description? You don’t need ’em.
Trust me: THE DEFIANTS is one the BEST Melodic Hard Rock / AOR album of the year.
Mandatory purchase

King Records Japan ～ KICP-1775
Ｔ Ｈ Ｅ  Ｄ Ｅ Ｆ Ｉ Ａ Ｎ Ｔ Ｓ 『 ザ・ディファイアンツ 』

01 – Intro (Carillon’s Theme)
02 – Love And Bullets
03 – When The Lights Go Down
04 – Waiting On A Heartbreak
05 – Runaway
06 – Lil’ Miss Rock’n’Roll
07 – The Last Kiss
08 – Save Me Tonight
09 – Take Me Back
10 – We All Fall Down
11 – That’s When I’ll Stop Loving You
12 – Underneath The Stars
13 – Waiting On A Heartbreak (Remix) [Japan bonus track]

Paul Laine – lead & backing vocals
Bruno Ravel – bass, guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
Rob Marcello – lead guitars, backing vocals
with
Van Romaine – drums

BUY
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/KICP-1775