Initially put together by Serafino Perugino, President and Head of A&R for Frontiers Records, Revolution Saints has an interesting history. A project that immediately piqued the interest of fans of ‘80s Hard Rock and Metal, the original lineup featured Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Doug Aldrich (formerly of Dio & Whitesnake) on guitarists, while Deen Castronovo (Journey) lead on vocals/drums. Also featuring key songwriter and session/touring member, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Revolution Saints might seem like a novelty act that would be one album and done, but they have instead remained a unit for nearly a decade now. Releasing three albums between 2015 and 2020 – Revolution Saints, Light in the Dark, and Rise – each had some well-composed songs and an energy that attracted international attention. Now in 2023 Revolution Saints return with their fourth studio album, Eagle Flight.
Released back on April 21st through Frontiers Music s.r.l., the album is the first of Revolution Saints not to feature either Blades nor Aldrich who departed in 2022. Initially a letdown for fans, fortunately the band retools quickly and respectfully with the addition of seasoned Guitarist Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake & Trans-Siberian Orchestra) along with Jeff Pilson (Foreigner & formerly of Dokken) to join up with Castronovo. Additionally, Del Vecchio returns to handle production, as well as contribute keyboards and background vocals to the new music. So, while losing Blades and Aldrich is unfortunate, the additions are pretty solid… but does it translate into the music?
A valid question to ask, upon first listen to Eagle Flight you will immediately be converted into believing this new lineup is more than efficient. An album that features ten brand new songs, it is a delightfully well-crafted mix of Hard Rock. Mature and thoughtful, the album has a deeper, darker sound than their previous work. In contrast to the brighter tones of their previous three albums, Eagle Flight relies more heavily on the keys that lay the foundation for each song, which builds from there. What does this mean? It means you are taken in by each song’s mood rather than with heavier, upbeat guitars. And with that somehow Castronovo’s voice seems to soar even higher. It is not to say his exceptional pipes did not sound great on their prior releases, but for whatever reason the more somber tone of these songs fit extremely well.
You can feel the emotions in spades throughout the album – whether it be “Eagle Flight,” “Talking Like Strangers,” the ear-tingling crying guitars of “Need Each Other,” or the highly addictive “Crime of The Century.” There is a longing in the lyrics and Castronovo’s delivery which is undeniable and this is also felt especially on songs such as “Once More.” And with that, if you are perhaps new to Revolution Saints, it would not be a stretch to say Castronovo’s voice is very reminiscent to Steve Perry, and these new songs would make any fan of classic ‘80s Journey (think “Who’s Crying Now,” Faithfully,” “Separate Ways”) one satisfied listener.
In many cases, many modern Rock albums are something you might listen to once and probably not listen to it all the way through again… because something is lacking. That is not the case with Eagle Flight. This is an album you are going to not only be enticed to listen to various times, but it is one that you are really going to enjoy if you are a fan of deep, emotional Melodic Rock. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Eagle Flight 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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