It seems like every month I’m reviewing a new Frontiers supergroup creation. Based off recent patterns, this isn’t far from the truth. In May, it was Skills: A melodic hard rock outfit featuring Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis and Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan. Last month, it was Iconic: A band of past and present Whitesnake members who sound more like Whitesnake than the current Whitesnake. This month, it’s Cleanbreak: A traditional metal juggernaut boasting the talents of former American Idol finalist James Durbin, Riot V guitarist Mike Flyntz, and Stryper’s rhythm section, bassist Perry Richardson and drummer Robert Sweet.
Considering the diverse background of these musicians, I wondered aloud what direction Cleanbreak would take musically. Would it be an extension of the fantasy driven epic metal sound of Durbin’s The Beast Awakens? Or maybe it’ll be a full throttle US power metal assault à la Riot? Or perhaps there will even be an emphasis on boisterous, blatantly anthemic choruses in the vein of Stryper? The answer lies somewhere in between, but I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a heavy emphasis on the chorus first, rest of the song second approach that put Stryper on the map. By no means is this a knock, but rather an observation, as the musicianship throughout proves absolutely relentless.
Cleanbreak’s debut album, Coming Home, opens with its namesake title track, which adheres strongly to the “uplifting melodic metal ballad” formula synonymous with Frontiers. If anything, it’s a mere warmup for what’s to follow. “Before the Fall” isn’t dark or menacing enough to be labeled doom, but it does have a heavier feel than most traditional metal, with an extra emphasis on hooks and riffs. Meanwhile, cuts like “Dying Breed”, “We Are Warriors”, and “Cleanbreak” tap heavily into that late 80s arena metal vein, simple and straightforward with a retro energy that dares you to not pump your fist in the air.
While Coming Home‘s first half is an enjoyable heavy trip down memory lane, it’s the album’s second half that really takes charge, starting with “Still Fighting”. Ever wonder what Riot would sound like if Durbin fronted? Look no further. This high speed, high power headbanger sounds straight off of Thundersteel, which happens to be one of my favorite albums of all time. “The Pain of Goodbye” and “Find My Way” accentuate the Stryper influence, as well as classic melodies. Dare I call them heavy AOR? Rounding it all out is the in your face “No Other Heart”, which is a fitting ending to such a riveting release.
Although Durbin’s The Beast Awakens release is much more up my alley, Coming Home is the type of album that fans of his American Idol days would eat up wholeheartedly. It’s heavy, but not too heavy. Over the top, but not too over the top. The same middle Americans who have no problem cranking up AC/DC and Ozzy at the family barbeque would blast this right alongside those legends of yore, and probably be shocked to find out the music was made this century too. “What?”, they may exclaim. That’s right. Rock’s NOT dead! Cleanbreak will make sure you don’t forget it.
7 out of 10
Label: Frontiers Records
Genre: Heavy Metal/Hard Rock
For fans of: Stryper, Dokken, Ozzy Osbourne