ZION (ex- Sheriff / Alias) – Zion (2006) *HQ*
320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2
The other day we featured the remastered reissue of the Sheriff album, the band fronted by Canadian Freddy Curci, also frontman for celebrated AOR act Alias. And it has been requested here Curci’s project from 2006, ZION, and its self-titled CD “Zion” released via Frontiers Music.
Zion line up is completed by Jason Hook (ex- Bulletboys) and Joey Scoleri on guitars, Paul Marangoni (Kim Mitchell, The Works, Coney Hatch) and Joey Greco on drums, Ken Malandrino on bass, and Ross Greene on keyboards. He gathered songs that he co-wrote with Steve DeMarchi (Freddy’s Alias & Sheriff songwriting partner), Jeff Paris, Marc Ribler, and Bob Marlette, among others – and Zion, the CD, was born.
“Zion” is a lot heavier an darker than anything recorded by Freddy Curci – he said he wasn’t worried about perfect vocals this time around because he was facing personal problems and in a dark place when decided to record this album. And he didn’t want to sing 10 fluffy songs about women this time.
So if you’re expecting a light melodic rock album, this is not. The music is more hard rocking, still melodic, but guitars are sharp and Freddy’s vocals rougher. At the time some fans didn’t get it, but now in perspective, the sound & style of “Zion” perfectly fits the mid-2000’s. And there’s some very good songs here.
The CD is out of print, and pretty expensive in the second hand market.
The release starts out with the chugging guitar riff of “All It Takes Is A Minute,” backed by some melodic vocals, chorus, and harmonies by Curci. Freddy had some vocals troubles at the time, but puts in a commanding vocal performance here and throughout the album.The opening track also features a healthy dose of some of the outstanding lead guitar work that weaves its way in and out of this release.
“How Much Longer Is Forever” has another strong guitar melody line that almost has a John Sykes feel to it … even to the point of having an opening false harmonic. This track also highlights one of Curci’s strongest moments, vocally, on this release and a wicked guitar solo caps it all off. “I’m Running Home” is the first ballad, but is palatable and is indeed well worth sticking with to the end, if not for the closing guitar work.
The remainder of the disc follows the the darker, heavier style with the only weak point being, other than a ballad or two, areas of spotty production. Overall, it just doesn’t have the “brightness” or “big” sound as quality music like this should have. Freddy handled most of the production, and on three tracks he (?) brought in Frontiers’ master Fabrizio V.Zee Grossi. But as said, Curci was looking for this ‘not so feel-good’ atmosphere.
“Zion” does have some great, catchy Melodic Hard Rock backed and driven by some strong vocal and guitar work. There’s some really good songwriting too and one guess how some of these tracks would resulted with brighter, radio-friendly arrangements. But this is how Curci wanted the album. And rocks.
Highly Recommended
01 – All It Takes Is A Minute
02 – How Much Longer Is Forever
03 – One Man Alone
04 – Dangerous
05 – I Am Running Home
06 – Everybody’s Watching
07 – No Surprise
08 – Sky Is Falling
09 – Devils’ Dance
10 – Who Do You Think You Are
11 – Crash The Mirror
Freddy Curci – Vocals, Bass, Guitars, Piano, Organ, Drums
Jason Hook – Guitar, Bass
Joey Scoleri – Guitar
Ken Malandrino – Bass
Fabrizio V. Zee Grossi – Bass, Producer
Ross Greene – Keyboards
Paul Marangoni, Joey Greco – Drums
Out of print
