Ross The
Boss – By Blood Sworn
Review by Sty
Guitarist
Ross the Boss’ stature in the history of hard rock and heavy metal has been
well-solidified for decades, with a resume including some of the most
influential and hardest-hitting bands of all-time, particularly both the
Dictators and Manowar. And he continues to rock - as a member of the group
DeathDealer, and also, as the leader of his own solo outfit, which has issued
such stellar releases as ‘Hailstorm,’ ‘New Metal Leader,’ and this latest
offering, ‘By Blood Sworn.’
Joined by
Marc Lopes on vocals and keys, Mike LePond on bass, and Lance Barnewold on
drums for the sessions (Steve Bolognese will beat the skins on the album’s
tour), ‘By Blood Sworn’ was produced by Dean Rispler, and will be released
April 20th via AFM Records.
The only
way to appreciate this album’s superb production is to crank it up!! I’ll be
100% honest in saying that I had never heard of these guys but I am so glad I
got to review this album. The opening Iron Maiden Transylvania-esq riff of
album titled ‘By Blood Sworn’ sets the mood just perfectly. A great opening
track which scuttles along just nicely. ‘Among Them Bones’ opening riff will
warp you straight back to the late 1980’s / 1990’s rock era. It’s speed changes
will keep your foot tapping and head nodding. Sublime stuff.
‘This is
Vengeance’ reminds me in parts of Holy Terror’s ‘Judas reward’ from their ‘Mind
Wars’ album of 1988. ‘We Are the Night’ is another angry double-bass led
thumping track with a great opening riff. Things slow down for ‘Faith Of The
Fallen’, an epic ballad of synth, melodies and great acoustic trickery with a
great chorus. The guitar solo will just suck you in.
‘Devil’s
Day’ picks things up again superbly by cranking out rock and roll at it’s very
best. Being a bass player myself, the opening riff of ‘Lilith’ was met with
great appreciation and I just love the way the rest of the band follow. A great
doomy, moody verse to this tune that builds slowly and superbly into the chorus,
with a fantastic speed change and a great Black Sabbath type riff thrown in for
good measure.
What I’m
loving about this album is that the music does the talking as well as the
lyrics. Iron Maiden were the first band that I felt that with. ‘Play Among the
Gods’ hits hard and fast, as does ‘Circle Of Damnation’, although these latter
two sound slightly more mainstream than the rest of the album. Nothing wrong
with that of course, and ‘Circle’ is sure an arena anthem to rock to and a
potential great Radio airplay tune. Lots of Iron Maiden sounding riffs in this.
It’s brilliant stuff.
‘Fistful Of
Hate’ rounds things off with it’s Native American intro. Very ‘Indians’ by
Anthrax, as is the opening riff which follows. This speeds along just nicely to
an unexpected abrupt ending which for me, works well. See you, good night,
Bang!! I feel thoroughly entertained.
So, would I
recommend you buy this album? 100% YES!! Would I go and see these guys if they
hit these shores?? ABSOLUTELY!!!
Score – 9/10
Reviewed by
Sty
Tracklisting:
1 – By
Blood Sworn
2 – Among
The Bones
3 – This Is
Vengeance
4 – We Are
The Night
5 – Faith
Of The Fallen
6 – Devils
Day
7 – Lilith
8 – Play
Among The Godz
9 – Circle
Of Damnation
10 –
Fistful Of Hate
Line-up:
Marc Lopez
(Vocals), Ross Friedman (Guitars), Mike LePond (Bass), Lance Barnewold (Drums)
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