LAST IN LINE – II [Japan Edition +1] (2019) *HQ*

Formed by three DIO original members, LAST IN LINE are ready to release their third album next weekend. Meanwhile, many of you have been requested their second CD “II” in its Japanese edition including a bonus track. As happened with the band’s debut ‘Heavy Crown’, this second album was produced by DOKKEN and FOREIGNER bassist Jeff Pilson.
This super group including bass player Jimmy Bain, guitarist Vivian Campbell, and drummer Vinny Appice – all part of the original DIO line up – reunited in 2012 alongside vocalist Andrew Freeman (Hurricane, Lynch Mob) – to launch LAST IN LINE. Sadly, Jimmy Bain passed away in 2016, here replaced by talented Phil Soussan (ex Ozzy).

When LAST IN LINE formed, the intent was to celebrate Ronnie James Dio’s early work by reuniting the members of the original DIO line up. After playing shows that featured a setlist composed exclusively of material from the first three DIO albums, the band decided to move forward and create new music in a similar vein.
First album ‘Heavy Crown’ was really good, and now “II” continues delivery high quality hard rock, even stronger in the songwriting department.

From the atmospheric, spine-tingling intro and the epic blast of first song “Black Out the Sun,” through the metal anthem that is “Gods and Tyrants”, Last In Line “II” is an album that clearly takes its cues from the great man who began it all.
Ronnie James Dio was the master of blending traditional hard rock majesty with the overt, glorious ludicrousness of heavy metal, fantasy imagery and all. Last In Line makes justice to its legacy with “II”.

Last in Line have done a great job of bringing all of that into the now. Special mention must go to vocalist Andrew Freeman who might not be the powerhouse of legend that Dio was, but he does a magnificent job here.
Campbell, meanwhile, is in typically fine form, apparently having a great time with his meaty riffs and shreds.

Vinny Appice smash the skins like no-other, while new member Phil Soussan brings a much better foundation on bass. Bain was great, just a more sit-in-the-pocket, ‘classic’ solid bass player.
Soussan’s work is more expansive, modern, varied, also he’s an accomplished audio engineer, which is really nice to have, because he’s really good with the bass-guitar tone.

Last In Line’s first effort is a very good piece of classic hard / metal, however “II” is a way better album as a whole, with stronger songwriting and that ‘classy’ production atmosphere.
Ronnie would be proud.
HIGHLY Recommended

01. Intro
02. Black Out The Sun
03. Landslide
04. Gods And Tyrants
05. Year Of The Gun
06. Give Up The Ghost
07. The Unknown
08. Sword From The Stone
09. Electrified
10. Love And War
11. False Flag
12. The Light
JAPAN BONUS TRACK:
13. Landslide (Acoustic)

Andrew Freeman – Vocals
Vinny Appice – Drums
Phil Soussan – Bass
Vivian Campbell – Guitars

BUY
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/KICP-1969