Here we go again with another of Frontiers put together projects, and this time the blueprint is a heavier version of Journey. They have recruited ex-Journey drummer, Dean Castronovo on drums and vocals, Jack Blades on bass and vocals, and Doug Aldrich supplying the heavier moments on guitar. This is the 2nd album and is the better of the two. All Journey fans will tell you that Dean is the best vocalist that the band never had as a vocalist. The guy has killer pipes that are perfect for these Journey type of tunes, as he has that Frontiers era Steve Perry tone to his voice.
To be fair, this is a superb album as the songs are really strong and all the main protagonists play their asses off. The 2nd track in, Freedom, is worth the album money alone. Killer riff and groove, great vocal from Dean, and some serious guitar from Doug. I bet Journey wish they could write tunes as good as this today. The following track, Ride On, is equally as good with double kicks a blazing. it’s a superb up-tempo melodic rocker complete with an Aldrich shred fest.
It’s very obvious that the Frontiers guys have a Journey fetish, and I guess this is as close as they get. Still – it’s a good album with two excellent tracks that any band would be proud of.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
