Jono Moulds checks out the new album from UK melodic rockers Blood Red Saints. The new album, "Undisputed" was released on August 6, 2021, through Frontiers Music.
Blood Red Saints have returned to the Frontiers label, who originally worked with them in 2015 on their debut, for their next studio album. August 6, 2021 saw the release of the fourth studio album from the English rockers, 'Undisputed'.
Musically, the album is a return to the melodic rock style as heard on the band's debut, "Speedway," which earned them fan and critical praise from the broader melodic rock community.
Off we go then people. ‘This ain’t a love song’ kicks things off, with some reminiscent Aerosmith style ‘rifforama’ as an opening salvo, as bass and guitar join forces to hammer the intro home. Wolf whistles make way for Godfrey’s vocal introduction and straight off the bat I’m hearing some likeness to Jon Bon Jovi with his delivery (this song could sit nicely on JBJ’s 7800° Fahrenheit album, which is the melting point for rock BTW– useless fact, but hey!!). A top opening track, with a top chorus singalong. Good start.
‘Love like War’ is up next, a polished song from the off, which leans towards that ‘radio rock’ vibe. An excellent song, that to my ears, is a mix between FM and Def Leppard (some esteemed company there), with some great harmony guitar breaks/harmony vocals thrown in for good measure. An instantly likeable tune. Love it.
Keyboard and guitar introduce ‘Heaven in the Headlights’, before it makes way for a slick and catchy verse section, with more excellent harmony vocal that support the song so, so well. In fact, the bridge and ultimately the chorus ‘ramps up’ the ‘catchiness’ factor, as this is an all-round, first listen – TUNE!!.
We then take in ‘Breathe again’, a smouldering rock ballad which ticks all the boxes you would expect to be ticked. Chorus effect laden guitar and crisp keyboard lay the foundations down, but the baton is soon passed across, as the guitar kicks into gear and the song really takes off. Oh, and there is another infectious chorus to look forward too. Wowzer!!!
‘Caught in the Wreckage’ smashes through, which is a quicker paced, guitar led song, before making way for the subtlety of the vocal and keyboard opening verse. This soon dissipates, as guitar and drums build the song back up to where it needs to be. There is a lovely change mid song, where the guitar takes centre stage and takes over with a melodically constructed solo by Revill, that sits perfectly before the band hits full throttle, once again.
‘Karma’ is the next track, which doesn’t stray too far away from the formula of the songs that has preceded it. A silky-smooth mix of rock guitar and sparkling keyboard support a well arranged, beguiling song that leads nicely into the up-tempo ‘Come Alive’, a positive, radio friendly tune that you can just imagine playing, whilst driving an open top car, down a sun-soaked highway with that pretty girl by your side. Not a care in the world type of tuneage.
I’ve been waiting for this, that is ‘Alibi’ (see what I done there Lizzy fans ) arrives with a heavier intro than the tracks so far, but an effective lead run/riff brings it quickly back under control. This song captures the band firing on all cylinders.
‘Undisputed’ (the album’s title track) opens up with a clang of a bell, while the Ring-announcer welcomes you to the ‘Heavyweight Championship of the World’. No guessing then what theme this song takes, and for me, a strong contender (no pun intended) for track of the album. A great opening guitar riff, which sits nicely behind the opening verse as we ‘duck and weave’ toward the chorus.
The warmth of an acoustic and keyboard are introduced for ‘Complete’. A classic AOR ballad that begins with all the delicate instrumental and vocal touches you’d expect, but soon takes flight to a strong chorus and bridge section. Another powerful vocal performance from Godfrey, with the now, fully expected awesome backing vocal being introduced, just at the right time.
And to finish the album off, we have ‘All I wanna do’. A mid-paced song, that for me, has elements of Survivor and Heart throughout. Nevertheless, it’s a well-constructed tune and a great way to end a really impressive collection of songs.
I come from an era where bands I’ve mentioned (within the review) where hugely successful and were rightly noted as Kings/Queens of their craft.
For the most part, they still are, that is, AOR at its very best.
Blood Red Saints ‘Undisputed’ follows in their wake, with well-produced, well played songs that fall perfectly into this genre.
As I sit here, listening to this for the first time, it transports me back to a time when I first played Dare’s debut album and getting the same instant connection, as I have listening to this.
If you like Bon Jovi, Dare, FM, Leppard etc. with their strong, catchy songs, great harmonies and top production, then check this out. You want be disappointed.
Review by Jono Moulds
Blood Red Saints are: -
Pete Godfrey - Vocals
Lee Revill - Guitars
Rob Naylor - Bass
Andy Chemney – Drums
Links to Blood Red Saints :-
Website
Facebook
Check out the official music video for "Breathe Again".
Ceri Davies
Presenter and Co-Director
