[2019-02-22] Last In Line "II" (Frontiers)

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14208

Description
What started as a casual reunion jam in a Los Angeles rehearsal room between former DIO bandmates in 2011 has grown into a full-fledged band that has taken on a life of its own. LAST IN LINE founders, Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain, and Vivian Campbell, were Ronnie Dio’s co-conspirators and co-writers on the "Holy Diver", "Last In Line" (the album from which they took their name), and "Sacred Heart” albums. These records have gone on to become part of metal history, as anyone can tell you.

During that first jam, it was apparent that the chemistry of the original band was very much intact, even after a 27 year hiatus. The excitement generated by that rediscovery led to a second session, where this time they called in acclaimed vocalist Andrew Freeman. Hearing Andrew’s interpretations of the original DIO songs was a revelation and the inspiration to move forward as a band. Over the ensuing years, a handful of local LA shows led to a handful of overseas shows in the U.K. and Japan, and eventually to an offer from Frontiers to record an album of original material. Last In Line’s debut album, “Heavy Crown” was released in February 2016, hitting number 1 on the Billboard Heat-Seekers Chart, with the singles “Devil In Me” and “Starmaker” leading the charge. But the release was preceded by tragedy, when Jimmy Bain passed away at the age of 68 on January 23, 2016.

In late 2017, the band gathered again in LA to start the recording of the second album, again under the direction of producer Jeff Pilson. Having really gelled as a band during the touring for the debut, the songwriting is now fully realized, personal and the band’s sound is now immediately recognizable as “Last In Line” thanks to the unmistakeable Vinny Appice rhythms, thunderous bass from Phil Soussan and the amazing vocals from Freeman combined with the roaring guitars from Campbell. This album is going to be on many people’s best of lists in 2019, without a doubt!

The deluxe edition of this album comes in a special collector's box with the CD plus a t-shirt, size XL only.

Tracklist
1. Intro
2. Blackout The Sun
3. Landslide
4. Gods And Tyrants
5. Year Of The Gun
6. Give Up The Ghost
7. The Unknown
8. Sword From The Stone
9. Electrified
10. Love And War
11. False Flag
12. The Light

Standard Edition
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KH1FMMG/?tag=imwan-20

Deluxe Edition
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KH1BWQ8/?tag=imwan-20

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14208

"Landslide":

JosephC · **Joined:** 27 Jan 2011 **Posts:** 2656

Looking forward to this one. The last album was really good.

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14208

Here's a full packshot of the Deluxe Edition:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KH1BWQ8/?tag=imwan-20

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14208

"Blackout The Sun":

JosephC · **Joined:** 27 Jan 2011 **Posts:** 2656

This one loses a little steam about midway through, but the first few tracks are excellent and it picks up again at the end. Heavy Crown was a better album, but this one is a pretty damn solid. Another winner for Vivian and the boys, I'd recommend that people who are the fence should go ahead and buy this one.

I can understand why some people might be put off by Freeman singing the Dio songs. But Freeman is virtually perfect for what they do on this record. Vivian, Vinny and Jimmy (R.I.P.) made a nice choice when they picked this guy.

[2019-02-22] Last In Line "II" (Frontiers)

Who is WANline