DAVID ZAFFIRO – In Scarlet Storm (1990) [30th anniversary edition Digitally Remastered 2020] *EXCLUSIVE*

We already featured at 0dayRox the remastered reissue of DAVID ZAFFIRO debut solo album from 1989, now it’s time for his 2nd, 1990’s “In Scarlet Storm“.
The debut’s Melodic Rock / AOR style is augmented here with that characteristic ’90s clinical sound for the American rock productions of the era. At places “In Scarlet Storm” reminds us Damn Yankees yet more AOR.
You need to hear this album with headphones too — even more this pristine remastered version – to discover some amazing layers of the multi-track recording, and the fabulous stereo-panning used here.

Known for his renown axemanship with the band Bloodgood, DAVID ZAFFIRO surprised in 1989 with his first solo album “The Other Side” where most the material, both in songwriting & production, embraced the melodic rock / AOR sound from the era.
Indeed, while Bloodgood albums were rich in melody and some hard rock groove, all were US metal in essence.

In our opinion, ”In Scarlet Storm” brings the highest level of consistency and continuity in terms of songwriting and melodic hard rock hooks of all Zaffiro solo albums.
Scintillating AOR to “Through His Eyes” begins album to a magnificent low-end bass punch and abiding rhythm guitar to paint a picture of the dignified and astute, while follow up piece “Holding Fast” ups impetus to echo a similar lofty form with a distinguished melody and delicate backing vocals.
Title track is even better in drawing upon the grand and stately to a wondrous melody and glassy keyboards combining for a lite progressive statement.

In a poppy AOR form but also of quality is ballad “I Wait Alone”, acoustically interwoven for its fanciful verse sections and rhythm guitar alloyed upon procuring the sophisticated backing vocal driven chorus, and hard rocker “Let It Go”, front to back up-tempo with catchy hooks but also allayed by enchanting choirs to make periodic appearance. Credit the artist for imbuing the pair with his refined vocal delivery.

Albums heaviest “He’s Lying To Ya” is lone Zaffiro track to cross the melodic metal threshold. With talented classic tenor guest vocalist Eric Beaver leading the way, song allows a commanding guitar mix and all the Eighties commercial hooks you could ask.
Also of a guitar-based nature is Satriani inspired instrumental “Blue Ice”. Artist of course unveils his full repertoire of licks and chops alongside a surprisingly forward (and flattering) keyboard emphasis.

Final two songs are also very good in taking an AOR influenced pop direction, with “The Song” airy and sublime in featuring Joe Pollastrini on vocals, and “I Give This Life To You” reticent with its stirring emotional sentiments as albums most laid back and reserved in foreshadowing the mellower musical focus on subsequent releases.

Many years out of print, this 2020 digitally remastered reissue is more than welcome, for many to discover this very good album / artist, and a great addition to your collection if you already heard the LP back in the Eighties.
This fresh remastering improves in providing added doses of polish to better bring out details in the form of cleaner leads, punchier bass and firmer rhythm guitars.
Highly Recommended

Only at 0dayrox

01 – Through His Eyes
02 – Holding Fast
03 – He’s Lying to Ya
04 – In Scarlet Storm
05 – I Wait Alone
06 – Let it Go
07 – Blue Ice
08 – The Song
09 – I Give This Life to You

David Zaffiro – lead vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards
Maverick Gibson – bass, guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
Joe Pollastrini – drums, backing vocals
Eric Beaver, Doug Beiden, Lary Melby – backing vocals

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