HOUSE OF LORDS – Saints and Sinners

A new LP by US hard rockers House of Lords is usually welcome news, and this inspired offering is big, loud, and colorful. Embracing their 70s influences fully and channeling everything through their own unique filter has resulted in a varied and engaging work charged with passion and spirit. Actually, I cannot recall the group ever having sounded as focused and revved up as this, which is brilliant. These gents have always been known for their melodic sensibilities and great knack for crafting tasty riffs with a bit of crunch to them, and that ability most certainly remains intact as evidenced by atmospheric tunes such ‘Road Warrior’, ‘Razzle Dazzle’, ‘Mistress of the Dark’, and ‘Takin’ My Heart Back’. The Dio band as well as the Turner-fronted era of Rainbow does come to mind now and then, but more than anything this is the sound of House of Lords kicking ass. Splendid stuff and a very good listen.