HOUSE OF LORDS – Saints and Sinners [Japan Edition +1] (2022) *HQ*

Legendary melodic hard rockers HOUSE OF LORDS are about to release their 11th studio album, “Saints And Sinners“, recorded and produced by the band’s singer and mastermind James Christian along with – as well legendary – keyboardist Mark Mangold.
In 2022 the band stands for superb hooks and majestic atmospheres that bring back the memories of their stellar debut album, with an updated potent production. All these ingredients you will find in abundance on “Saints And Sinners”, a rock solid album where James Christian remains true to his musical principles and delivers a record that offers beautiful melodies, a lot of emotion and sometimes a portion of hardness.
Thus, the singer meets all expectations and satisfies the fans of the genre.

AOR, that is the main musical direction which manifests itself in songs like ”Take It All”, with its keyboard pushed chorus. The dominance of Mangold’s keys increased, keenly welded onto Bell’s magnificent guitar melodies and appealing guitar riffs. Impressive is the hook and musical section with its more organic contemporary rock sound and Bell unleashing a short waling solo.

Mangold’s band TOUCH comes to mind on ”Road Warrior” with its intense bass and guitar interaction, and ‘Hammond’-opening, incorporating Mangold’s song specific elements with Christian’s soaring House of Lords specifics. The guitar injected ”Dreamin’ it All” rocks with its oozing vocal harmonies and guitar-keys strummed chorus.

One expects an unstoppable rocker with ”Avalanche” but it is a piano soulful ballad, but in order not to get completely lost in the maelstrom of emotions, ”Roll Like Thunder” follows, perhaps the best song on the album. Christian and colleagues really kick it up a notch and one wonders why they don’t do this more often.

Absolutely magnificent is the epic ”Mistress of the Dark” with Christian belting with higher range and more soaring phrasing, and the multi layered choruses taking point. Little progressive tweaks enhance its structure, reminiscent to the finest on ‘Sahara’, yet less bombastic.
”Takin’ My Heart back” is another organic build classic rocker with insane hooks and powerful keys and guitar riff. Whaling the chorus into a bombastic motion, Bell propels the song with wonderful riff and hook wile Mangold lays down lush tapestry of swirling keys and pumping Hammond. James’ vocal delivery is in line with the orchestration, though somewhat flat pitched.

More diversity is offered on the album closer ”Angels Falling” where James displays his vocal diversity and stamina. Immense hooks build the song that flourishes with deep bass and its chorus powering up constantly. Enormous, yet subtle.

”Saints and Sinners” presents House Of Lords and James Christian with renewed energy returning to the fold. The musical palette is widened and intensified with Mangold bringing in the keys that marked the band’s debuting days. Adding the Hammond sound and swirls he ignites the songs with an organic contemporary vigor, adding dimension.
Diversity of the elusive debut, which marked a zestful introduction with wide array of styles fused, ”Saints and Sinners” sounds reminiscent. There’s more poise and drive in the deepened sound, without scaling back on their typical AOR arena rocking sound chock-full of vocal harmonies and impeccable choruses.
The new album sounds classic, yet refreshing at the same time.
Highly Recommended

Ｍａｒｑｕｅｅ ／ Ａｖａｌｏｎ 【MICP～ 11728】

01 – Saints and Sinners
02 – House of the Lord
03 – Take It All
04 – Road Warrior
05 – Mistress of the Dark
06 – Avalanche
07 – Roll Like Thunder
08 – Razzle Dazzle
09 – Dreamin’ It All
10 – Takin’ My Heart Back
11 – Angels Fallen
JAPAN BONUS TRACK:
12 – Saints and Sinners (Acoustic version)

James Christian – Vocals, Guitars
Jimi Bell – Guitars
Mark Mangold – Keyboards
Johan Koleberg – Drums

buy:
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/MICP-11728