Album Review: Last in Line- Jericho

 

Rock supergroup Last in Line releases their third studio album Jericho today via earMUSIC! The name might be familiar to the ardent classic rock fan: it was the name of the 1984 album by Dio. 

Formed in 2012 by former Dio Luminaries, guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Jimmy Bain and drummer Vinny Appice, the trio did with the intention of celebrating the charismatic singer's memory. However, the band soon decided to move forward and create their style of music in the vein of Dio.

Jericho catches that same power and energy with the powerful vocals of Andrew Freeman instead. The album features enough meaty riffs for the average rock fan to gnaw on, alongside the impeccable drumming of Mr Appice and rumbling basslines of new bassist Phillip Soussan: a replacement for the late Jimmy Bain, who sadly passed away in 2016. 

Those familiar sounds of Appice's snare drum open with 'Not Today Satan', a resounding track to kick off any rock album with Campbell's leads, an elevation for Freeman to showcase his vocal versatility. Next is 'Ghost Town', a catchy track with soulful vocals and a tasty groove-orientated riff. I do understand why this was the first single.

Last In Line doesn't hold back here as each musician is given the creative freedom to play to their strengths. Producer Chris Hollier recognises this by recording the tracks live so the listener reaps the benefits. Vivian Campbell, in particular, unleashes a crunchy and dark guitar tone. He mixes blues-like riffs like 'Bastard Son' with aggressive, edgy riffs like ' Do the Work'.

The album is multi-layered with hard rock like 'House Party at The End of the World', sounding like the Holy Diver is back, to the more commercial tracks like 'Walls of Jericho'. In addition, Appice is back in fine form here, striking with a purpose. Bassist Phillip Soussan proves a viable opponent for Campbell to fire off a tasty lick; or hair-raising solo.

Overall, Jericho may have done with shoring down to ten tracks; it is still a rollicking good rock album that gives the listener what they want; riffs, lung-busting vocals, and enough joy to forget about the world.

Words by Anselm Anderson: Rating 9/10

LAST IN LINE, 'JERICHO' IS AVAILABLE TODAY (MARCH 31ST) VIA ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS AND RETAIL OUTLETS.

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