Power of Metal.dk Review

Red Zone Rider
Red Zone Rider
Rating
Style: Hard Rock
Release date: 16 September, 2014
Playing time: 59:50
 


Having a style of music that hints at the ilk of Badlands, Jeff Beck, Lynrd Skynrd and Led Zeppelin, this self-titled debut has a strong 1970s Hard Rock feel to it. Very Bluesy stuff. And very classy too.

Red Zone Rider (RZR) brings together the talent of bassist/lead vocalist/keyboardist Kelly Keeling (Baton Rouge, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, MSG, Erik Norlander, Lynch Mob), drummer Scot Coogan (Ace Frehley, Lita Ford, Brides Of Destruction) and guitar wizard Vinnie Moore (solo, UFO, Alice Cooper). The outcome of this union is nothing short of impressive.

Vinnie Moore’s guitar tends to give the songs a modern touch and one can easily draw comparisons between RZR and his work with UFO. Vinnie sounds effortlessly amazing here but quite frankly I wouldn’t have expected anything else from a guitarist of his calibre. Kelly Keeling’s singing feels just right for these songs and I loved his vocal phrasings. It seems quite clear that all three band members have hit it off quite well.

Amidst this ensemble of great songs are…..the soulful ’There’s A Knowing’ with a guitar and keyboard interaction that reminded me of Uriah Heep of yore; ‘Hit The Road’ which is so infectiously groovy; ‘Count’s 77’ that sounded like an amalgam of upbeat Kiss numbers from the 1970s.

An excellent sound, great songs, sublime musicianship…..”Red Zone Rider” is a winner.

Album trailer:
 


Tracklist
01. Hell No
02. By the Rainbow's End
03. House of Light
04. Of Dreams
05. Save It
06. Trust a Woman
07. Obvious
08. Hand That Feeds You
09. Hit the Road
10. A Knowing

11. Count's 77
Label: Magna Carta
Distribution: Magna Carta
Reviewed by: Chris Galea
Date: 20 September, 2014
Website: Red Zone Rider @ Facebook