Gene Simmons is one of the most complex figures in rock history. Love him or hate him, the fire breathing, blood spitting KISS demon is responsible for discovering some of your favorite bands. Cinderella, Angel, Plasmatics, and the mighty Van Halen are just some of the names you have to thank him for. So is House of Lords. Originally formed by and named after ex-Angel keyboardist Gregg Giuffria, House of Lords came to be after a business meeting with Simmons. In exchange for a management and record deal, Simmons demanded a name and singer change. Thus Giuffria became House of Lords and James Christian replaced David Glen Eisley.
Over 30 years have passed since that meeting. In that time, House of Lords broke up, reunited, and released a string of albums via Frontiers Records. New World – New Eyes is their latest in that string. It boasts classic singer and sole original member, James Christian, who proudly waves the House of Lords flag. He’s joined by longtime guitarist/drummer power duo Jimi Bell and B.J. Zampa, as well as latest addition, bassist Chris Tristram.
Cartesian Dreams (2009) is my favorite House of Lords album, so whenever I check out a new album of theirs, I unfairly ask, “Where does this fall behind it?”. In the case of New World – New Eyes, it falls somewhere smack dab in the middle of their catalog. There’s a handful of songs on here which do nothing for me, starting with the opening title track. It’s an attempt lure the listener in with a slow and ominous opener, but aside from a flashy guitar solo, it just drags. “Perfectly (Just You and I)” and “$5 Bucks of Gasoline” also fall into this trap. They’re tired, generic, and the album would’ve been stronger without them.
Thankfully, for whatever misses that plague New World – New Eyes, there’s a hefty amount of hits to even the score. “One More” is a hooky hard rocker which channels Cheap Trick. “We’re All That We Got” and “Better Off Broken” are slick AOR tunes that sound like a meatier post-Hysteria Def Leppard. Matter of fact, if Joe Elliott were to ever leave the iconic pop metal outfit, James Christian would be the go to guy, but I digress.
My choice pick is a tie of “The Both of Us” and “The Summit”. “The Both of Us” is one of those songs that had it dropped 35 years ago would’ve been a top 40 hit. Hell, if it was performed by one of today’s current flavor “artists”, it’d be a top 40 hit. Memorable melodies are timeless! Meanwhile, “The Summit” is a high energy hard rocker, complete with gritty riffs and an upbeat tempo. It’s a kickass closer, but would’ve been better suited in the opening slot.
Despite only scoring a couple rock radio hits in their prime, and playing a style that’s long been deemed “outdated”, House of Lords still has something to prove. I admire their tenacity amidst an ever changing “new world”.
6 out of 10
Label: Frontiers Records
Genre: AOR
For fans of: Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Giuffria