It has been quite an interesting journey for Hard Rock outfit Rev Theory. Initially formed in 2002 up in North Andover, Massachusetts as Revelation Theory, they made their major label debut in 2005 with Truth Is Currency. Touring in support for the likes of Papa Roach and Buckcherry, by 2007 they opted to shorten the band’s name to Rev Theory and made a major breakthrough with 2008’s Light Up. An album that hit #74 on the Billboard 200, Rev Theory were well on their way to the top of the Hard Rock food chain. Riding high and with the pressure on, they delivered another powerful record in 2011 with Justice, further expanding their sound.
While still active and clawing their way through, much of the past four years, Rev Theory has been out of the mainstream spotlight. Leaving the average Rock fan to wonder, did the band breakup? Quite the contrary, because the band inked a new record deal in August of 2014 with Century Media imprint label Another Century. Exciting news to their hungry fanbase, two years went by as everyone patiently waited, and now, Rev Theory return with The Revelation. Released on September 9th, the eleven track album features the lineup of Rich Luzzi (vocals), Matty McCloskey (vocals, bass guitar), Dave Agoglia (drums), as well as Julien Jorgensen (guitars), and comes with a great deal of anticipation.
Breaking their silence, “Guns” begins the album with an apocalypse style sound effect and a solitary guitar chiming in. Soon, gritty vocals of Luzzi set an anthem style pace while booms ring out like bombs when the track slows down, almost like an auditory warning. Next comes the single “We Own The Night,” which idles in slow while the call for change in attitude continues on. The energy kicks up a bit for the chorus with contrasting vocals while the lyrics create a rally of like-minded resilience. Then, coming in with a slightly Southern flair in the intro, “Red Light Queen” stomps in, becoming a track filled with fist-pumping liveliness.
Moving on, defiance is the backbone of “Piece Of Me,” which features rebellious vocals. Issuing a strong challenge, the gentle touches serve to highlight the bold stance of the song. Thereafter, “Killing Kind” opens with a powerful, resonating piano while the beat builds to enhance the thought-provoking lyrics. The more mellow side of the band, “We Don’t Follow” brings the energy back up beginning with taunting vocals and growling guitars that follow throughout the track. Steady and heavy, it is like a metronome of heavy Rock beats. Coming in with more crashing drums and solid guitar work, “My Killers” raises the temperature even more, pounding away with each unrestrained note. Diving deeper into a weightier sound, “Blow It Up” is another anthemic style song with memorable guitar melodies and vocal harmonies. Momentary, dramatic pauses and short, trumpeting sound effects add tasteful depth to the track that is extremely addictive.
Keeping the mix heavy, “Lessons” is drenched with 90’s Hard Rock styling, ala Stone Temple Pilots, and comes forth with a raging beat where the vocals of Luzzi act as reins to direct the fury of the track. The vibe is continued with “Other Side” where Luzzi cries out “…die young…” followed up with eerie echoes and extensive instrumentation. The beat and stamina does not rest often throughout The Revelation, but “Candle Burns” rounds the story in a more somber fashion. Quite emotional, resistance and frustration are bolstered with a quiet symphony behind them as Rev Theory capture their audience until the final note.
Overall, The Revelation is presented in such a way that forces Rev Theory’s message to be heard. While fans are absolutely able to zone out and just feel the music, a second listen through will allow them to explore the deeper meaning of these tracks. Back on 2008’s Light It Up, Rev Theory offered a self-reflective track about decisions and paths taken, entitled “Ten Years.” Well, looking back, it certainly has not been ten years for Rev Theory, but The Revelation is a explicit present day reflection from a band that deserve the Hard Rock limelight. CrypticRock gives this album 5 out of 5 stars.
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