LAST IN LINE consists of DEF LEPPARD guitarist Vivian Campbell (ex-DIO), drummer Vinny Appice (ex-BLACK SABBATH, ex-DIO), bassist Phil Soussan (ex-OZZY OSBOURNE) and singer Andrew Freeman (ex-LYNCH MOB). The band’s third studio material “Jericho” will be released on March 31, via earMUSIC.
The group was formed ten years ago by Campbell, Appice and the former bassist Jimmy Bain. They teamed up with Freeman as vocalist. Their debut album “Heavy Crown” was released in 2016. The members were shaken by a tragedy though, when Bain unexpectedly passed away. Honoring what they knew would be Jimmy’s wish to keep the band moving, LAST IN LINE brought in renowned bassist Soussan and went on tour to support the record.
The band developed its style on their second disc “II” (2019). The group went on an extensive tour and performed, among other things, at Download Festival in the UK. Exhilarated with joy, they began to plan for the next album, but then the pandemic struck and just like for many others, the path forward was unclear. However, with limited face-to-face time in the studio, they still managed to start to write and record the new material, this time self-produced. Just like on previous “II”, Chris Collier (has worked with KORN, METAL CHURCH, WHITESNAKE and several others) was mix engineer. LAST IN LINE thinks that the title “Jericho” is very fitting, as it represents breaking through walls of seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles.
The first track “Not Today Satan” contains great drumming and a vivid guitar solo. Both the bass playing and the singer’s Hard Rock voice sound very cool. The song is not bad, but still belongs to the more mediocre kind, which makes me start thinking about other things. In the varied piece “Ghost Town” we hear bouncing drumbeats and a strong bass, on which Phil plays very dexterously. Vivian performs an exuberant solo.
Relaxing sounds opens ”Bastard Son”. Then it gets a bit rougher, with a slight 70’s feeling, which leans in the psychedelic direction. A bluesy touch makes “Dark Days” swing in a pleasant tempo. Here we also find a soft middle section with BEATLES vibes. Except Andrews usual, very nice vocals, we also hear another voice. It sounds hard and screechy. The singing and guitarplaying in “Story Of My Life” is splendid, as well as a great bass performance.
”Do The Work” starts with a nice melody, then it becomes heavier music and great vocals. Both the singer and the song have a cool attitude. The piece has a swinging rhythm and we also hear a fantastic guitar playing. “Hurricane Orlaugh” is one of the stronger tracks. There is more energy here, as well as a strength that is unleashed in the chorus and the solo section. Except powerful drumplaying from Vinny, Campbell performs a nice and dexterous solo. That Appice is an excellent drummer can also be heard in the very good ”Walls Of Jericho”.
The band’s Hard Rock can be both Heavy and Melodic, like in ”We Don’t Run”. Sometimes it is a more modern sound, as in “Something Wicked”, which to my ears sounds a bit monotonous. Freeman sings well, but at the same time you can also hear someone straining his voice in a gloomy way, like a teenager who is uninterested. Of course, it fits that genre, even if it does not appeal to me.
LAST IN LINE follow their own style, but of course has developed quite a bit since the first record. “Jericho” contains many good songs, but none that have that something special, which for example “Give Up The Ghost” had on the last disc. I am afraid the album will disappear in the crowd. Maybe the material, at least some tracks, would have benefited from being shortened a bit. (Anna)
Bewertung:
7,5 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 12
Spielzeit: 55:18 min
Label: earMUSIC / Edel
Veröffentlichungstermin: 31.03.2023
