HOUSE OF LORDS – Live in the UK

Any casual fan of Metal Express Radio’s Hairbanger’s Hairspray show should be no stranger to the music of House Of Lords (HoL). The original and classic lineup of HoL was formed in 1988 by former Giuffria members: keyboardist Gregg Guiffria (formerly of Angel) and bassist Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot). Their 1989 self-titled debut was legendary and was released on a private label owned by Kiss’ Gene Simmons, a subsidiary of RCA/BMG. Since then, four more House Of Lords albums have been released with various lineups with only vocalist James Christian being the one constant. In 2005, the band made an impressive comeback with James completely revamping the House Of Lords lineup and releasing the excellent World Upside Down.

Given last year’s strong comeback album, and releasing four prior studio releases, it perhaps comes as no surprise that the second present day House Of Lords offering is a live effort. What might come as a pleasant surprise to HoL fans, though, is that this live offering, entitled Live In The UK, isn’t the World Upside Down lineup, but is in fact four fifths of the original lineup! When original members Christian, Lanny Cordola (guitar), Ken Mary (drums), and Chuck Wright got together in 2004 to release The Power And The Myth, the band decided on holding a reunion “tour,” albeit a very small “tour.” The “tour” took the band to England and Greece for two outstanding shows in 2005. This Live In The UK release includes the entire show held at Firefest in Nottingham, recorded on November 26, 2005, for any lucky readers who were there.

The set opens with all cylinders firing and the mesmerizing and Egyptian feel of the title track from the Sahara release. Certainly James has sounded less aged, but he still delivers an impressively strong performance, as does the whole band. The rhythm section of Mary and Wright sounds heavy and tight, while Cordola shows that he can still deliver guitar antics as well as anyone else. In fact, the songs sound slightly “ballsier” without a dedicated keyboardist to add that “airy keys” touch, which is really the only thing that could make this live offering stronger … by adding Mr. Guiffria.

The majority of the set is represented by the debut release, rightfully so, while the under appreciated Demons Down release is only afforded one track. The Sahara and The Power And The Myth releases receive equal attention. Highlights include “Sahara,” the stomp of “Pleasure Palace,” the vibe of “The Edge Of Your Life,” the blistering guitar and heavy stomp of “The Rapture,” the sing-along-ability of “I Wanna Be Loved,” and, of course, the rousing set closer … “Slip Of The Tongue.” Also included is a studio track, “Havana,” written by Christian and Guiffria, which was originally released as a Japanese bonus track on The Power And The Myth album. It’s a song that treads the line between a ballad and a mid-tempo rocker … commendable, but it won’t become a fan favorite anytime soon.

Bottom line, most people have some skepticism towards “live albums,” and they typically fall into two categories; “hate them” or “like them.” Any devout HoL fan, though, will spin this disc and when they hear some of these classic HoL tunes peformed live and captured on disc, they will most certainly throw aside any prior reservations they’ve had about live CDs. A live offering by this band couldn’t have happened at a better time, granted it would have been exciting to capture this lineup live during their “younger days” and with Guiffria, but to release a disc like this with most of the original lineup just seems to “complete the circle” on the House Of Lords discography. A recommended “must buy” for any House Of Lords fan … casual or devout!

Tracklisting

* Sahara * Chains Of Love * Love Don’t Lie * Pleasure Palace * Talkin’ Bout Love * The Edge Of Your Life * Mind Trip * All Is Gone * The Rapture * I Wanna Be Loved * Can’t Find My Way Home * Slip Of The Tongue * Havava (Bonus Studio Track)

Lineup

James Christian – Lead Vocals, Programming
Lanny Cordola – Guitars, Vocals
Chuck Wright – Bass
Ken Mary – Drums