THE DEFIANTS: Zokusho (MELODIC HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Danger Danger, a mythical melodic hardcore band that released seven albums between 1989 and 2009, has been out of circulation for ten years now. In 2016, the matchmaker Frontiers proposed to its former members to reborn under the name of The Defiants. Two original partners - Bruno Ravel the bassist and Rob Marcello the guitarist - then answered the call as well as Paul Laine, the famous frontman, who joined DD in 1993 from the equally famous Ted Poley. The eponymous album that followed was a hit with the orphans of the combo.

In 2019, The Defiants is back in the spotlight with "Zokusho", an opus that sees Steve West, the DD drummer, join the band. As Pythagoras said, equality is now remarkable, The Defiants = Danger Danger. "Zokusho" means "next chapter" in Japanese, let's cross our fingers so that he too is (at least) equal to his older brother.

These gentlemen from The Defiants are no longer young - three quinquas and a quadra to be precise. The 1980s therefore left some traces in their influences. However, the combo has been able to tap into the small world of melodic hard rock with some more recent references. It is this clever mix, coupled with a particular talent for catchy melodies, that makes the strength of this band and especially this album that ranks above its predecessor, which was still a real challenge.

You will not have to wait until the middle of the opus to understand these characteristics and qualities. The track "Love Is The Killer" which starts the hostilities throws its melodic power in your face after a few slight misleading arpeggios. From the outset we think of H.E.A.T., its now known "who oh oh oh oh oh oh" and its unifying choruses. From the outset, we are conquered, then amazed when the solo appears. Add to that a voice that is perfectly adapted to the musical content, but which also knows how to seek surprising pitches in the high notes, without skidding.

The succession of pieces that follows are similarly. A profusion of melodies, sustained rhythms, a song that borders on perfection and wonderfull inspired solos. Only the references diverge if you pay particular attention to them, even if Danger Danger is always there. This influence, combined with that of the Poodles, gives some tracks like "Standing On The Edge", that of One Desire "Hollywood In Headlights", that of Foreigner "Fallin' For You" (listen to the second part of the verse, if you don't hear "Dirty White Boy"... it's because you don't know the title!)

And then comes "Hold On Tonite", the song of the month! This mid-tempo is a war machine, so beware of addictive damage. If you stay upright, the kick in the seat by the hammered and 'Allnighter', very close to "Slaughter", will finaly convince you.

With an exceptional guitarist, respect Mr Rob Marcello, whose performance here is worthy in the genre of Helge Engelke's on Dreamtide's album "Dream And Deliver" and a remarkable singer, The Defiants has just released the melodic hard rock album of the back-to-school season. Don't miss this beautiful object if you are sensitive to style. - Official website

THE DEFIANTS

ZOKUSHO

FRONTIERS RECORDS

MELODIC HARD ROCK