Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
Ah, the ‘Supergroup’, often the home for the short-lived clashing of giant egos and rampant self-indulgence. Many have come and gone but very few stay together longer than a sole album.
Due to sheers quality, Revolution Saints have managed to dodge this particular bullet and with three albums under their belt since forming in 2014, it was only other commitments that meant that main man drummer/vocalist Deen Castronovo saw his bandmates swap from Doug Aldritch and Jack Blades to Joel Hoekstra and Jeff Pilson on guitar and bass respectively.
No huge falling out or meltdown, just the natural exchange of talented and highly respected compatriots who are constantly juggling schedules and demands.
With Castronovo juggling his return to the fold with Journey in 2021 with countless other projects, the return of Revolution Saints is a very welcome one, the band giving him chance to once again display his characterful vocal chops as well as his dynamic drumming.
The addition of Hoekstra, the Whitesnake six stringer who has now twice directly replaced Aldritch in bands, and Pilson has brought another subtle flavour to the outfit, each man adding their own special touches to the material. Whilst bands playing big, melodic rock are a dime a dozen, few have the pedigree or talent displayed here and ‘Against the Winds’ is another storming chapter in the Saints story.
One of the things that the band has always done so well is the focus on the material, rather than treating the songs solely as vehicle to display individual talents, the titular opening track highlighting this very point. Big AOR hooks, great vocals with a pleasingly gritty edge and a short but sweet solo, ‘Against the Winds’ announces the return of Revolution Saints with a real blast. It’s all beautifully put together, the harmonies, riffs, rhythms sound huge and the keys by unofficial but vital fourth member and touring musician Alessandro Del Vecchio add a real depth and sparkle. The album certainly rocks and numbers like ‘Changing My Mind’, ‘Lost in Damnation’ and ‘Been Said and Done’ are hand crafted for arenas and radio alike, their chest beat, fist pumping anthemic feel hitting its target with ease.
The nearest the album comes to a ballad is ‘Can’t End It Right Now’ but even that has a toughness and groove that sets it apart from a million other lighter waving stadium slower numbers. Where they score the biggest though is out and out, balls to the wall face-melters and the urgent ‘Will I See You Again’ and feral ‘Save All That Remains’ stand as two hard driving highpoints from an album that’s filled with great moments.
Revolution Saints have always set the bar high but with ‘Against the Wind’ they’ve exceeded all expectations and brought out an album that’s bound to be considered a classic for many years to come. Absolutely untouchable.
Pre-Order ‘Against the Winds’ HERE
‘Against the Winds’ Track List:
1. Against the Winds
2. Changing My Mind
3. Fall on My Knees
4. Can’t End It Right Now
5. Lost in Damnation
6. Will I See You Again
7. Show Me Your Light
8. Save All That Remains
9. Been Said and Done
10. Diving Wings
11. No Turning Back
REVOLUTION SAINTS are:
Deen Castronovo
Jeff Pilson
Joel Hoekstra
Alessandro Del Vecchio
