SAINTED SINNERS

It’s almost an impossibility for things to go wrong when your lineup consists of Jack Meile (Tygers Of Pan Tang) on vocals, Frank Pané (Bonfire) on guitar, Ernesto Ghezzi (Gotthard) on keyboards, Samy Saemann (ex-Freedom Call) on bass, and Berci Hirleman on drums. The pedigree sported here is enough to drop jaws, and that’s precisely what happens when diving into Sainted Sinners brand new album, High On Fire. Expect lots of slack-jaw surprise and subsequent drooling. It is that gob-smackingly delicious. Together, the guys have concocted a sound steeped in classic hard rock/heavy metal tradition, delivered with contemporary precision and exuberance. The soulful vocal performances, dizzying Hammond organ duels, intricate fretwork, and a rhythm section that is as groovy as it is atmospheric and pummeling, and you are left with an ass kicking album that defies time, sounding as fresh today as it would have four decades ago.

The album begins with ‘Crown Of Thorns’, which has a very catchy and in-your-face German power metal vibe that reminds me of Gamma Ray. Jack’s vocals are absolutely stellar on this track. His gravelly yet smooth approach couldn’t be a better fit for the band. ‘Out Of The Blue’ hits with a hard-rockin’ party vibe not far removed from Hagar-era Van Halen. The main riff is maddeningly infectious with its 80s groove and swagger. ‘Night After Night’ is an absolute homage to early Rush, with a fantastic main riff that could go toe to toe with anything on the legendary Canadian’s first few albums. ‘Sunshine’ is a funky mix of Red Hot Chili Peppers-esque moments combined with a Zeppelin-like mood. ‘Empty Days Of Wonder’ is an 80s glam ballad right to its core. It’s a powerful track that allows Jack to shine behind the mic.

‘World’s On Fire’ and ‘Down In A Hole’ could have easily sat comfortably alongside late 70s / early 80s AOR radio staples. Both are hard-rockin’, bluesy cuts that would definitely appeal to the sensibilities of those who prefer their rock a bit more mainstream in flavour. ‘Hide In The Dark’ is the album’s shortest track at just over two minutes. This is a bit of a welcome detour, introducing a folky vibe à la Jethro Tull and the like. Interestingly, there is also a Southern rock-like vibe to this one. It’s definitely the odd duck out on the album, but it works. ‘Sweet Sweet Addiction’ has a chorus that is just as the title implies… addictive… Poison and Cinderella would have killed for this hook back in the day. ‘Lost In A Storm’ is undoubtedly the album’s most brooding track, imbued with a darker tone by some truly crushing rhythms accentuated by a thick, thundering keyboard attack. The last track is a faithful and fun cover of The Who‘s ‘Who Are You’. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this take on such a classic song. The guys approached it with a loose, rebellious, hip-shaking energy that channels the backbeat and energy of ’50s rock.

By the end of the album, which clocks in at just under an hour, I was ready to do it all again… and I don’t say that often. It’s immediately apparent that this group of incredibly talented gents were destined to come together, with High On Fire being their meticulously sculpted yet raw-around-the-edges ode to hard rock heroics, heavy metal might, and blues-drenched soul. Do not let this one pass you by!