I re-read a review I wrote in 2017 of Light in the Dark, the second album by Revolution Saints before starting my listening of their latest album. It wasn’t the most glowing piece I’ve ever written. Back in 2017 Deen Castronovo, who is the main vehicle for this project was emerging from a dark place, and the album reflected some of his feelings about his situation.
Move forward six years, and past the third record, 2020’s Rise, and the Saints are back with a new line-up. Alongside Castronovo is bassist Jeff Pilson and guitarist Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) for Revolution Saints, MK II. Originally put together by the head of Frontiers Records Serafino Perugino to showcase Castronovo’s vocal talents, those first three records saw him ed by bassist/vocalist Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and guitarist Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio, The Dead Daisies). Their music, as befitted the label, was very much the melodic rock whose roots sit firmly in the 1980s.
It’s evident from the opening song, the title track “Eagle Flight”, that Revolution Saints are sticking to the blueprint of those previous albums. The songs are built around Castronovo’s smooth rich voice and underpinned by a solid rhythm section. The musicianship is first class, polished, and aided by the expected crisp production.
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Of course, it helps to have some stellar musicians alongside you. Castronovo’s recent return to Journey has fired up his creative juices, whilst Pilson is experienced with his work in luminary outfits including Dokken, Foreigner, and Black Swan. As for Hoekstra, well, the man’s guitar work on Eagle Flight is nothing short of blistering. His variation in style, movement, and adaptation to the range of songs here presents as comfortable, fluid, and organic.
Alongside the rockier elements of tracks like “Talking Like Strangers” and “Kids Will Be Kids”, there are inevitably the lighter, more melodic ballads. “I’ll Cry for You tonight” is one such song, with symphonic backing via producer Alessandro Del Vecchio who contributes keyboards and backing vocals throughout. Even here, Hoekstra’s guitar work is simply stunning.
Every song is drenched in the melody one would expect. It’s not going to trouble those who like the more extreme side of heavy metal or hard rock, but appreciating the talent on display should be universal. Revolution Saints latest album is one that should be welcomed by existing fans as well as newer ones. The songs are anthemic, uplifting, rousing, and all polished better than a Bugatti as it leaves the showroom. If you like a slice of melodic rock that is sweeter than an Easter Day parade, then album number four by the second version of the Saints is one for your list.
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Eagle Flight is out on April 21st
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