Looking to take a ride back to the 70s and 80s? Well, Sainted Sinners, a brand new hard rock super-group, are about to give you that opportunity as they will release their debut self-titled album on the 24th of February via El Puerto Records. The album name may be a reference to Whitesnake’s album ‘Saints and Sinners’. The band comprises of ex-Accept vocalist David Reece, guitarists Franke Pane and Axel Rudi Pell keyboard player Ferdy Doernberg, and ex-Purpendicular members Frederik Burkert on bass and drummer Berci Hirleman. The sound is very much like the hard rock giants Whitesnake, Rainbow, Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy etc. along with a little bluesy feel.
The album begins with a brilliant track titled “Knight of the Long Knives” which instantly reminded me of Coverdale-era Purple. The guitars and the Hammond organ have been kept in perfect harmony throughout the song along with impressive vocals. The next track also moves along the same lines but things go a little upbeat here and the guitar works sound spectacular. “Maybe She’s Got Balls” has very catchy riff and a groovy blues touch as well, and sounds almost like a Rainbow song.
Up next is the song “We’re All Sainted Sinners” and I have to choose this one as my favourite from this album. The intro is influenced a lot by Southern Rock bands and the riff sounds heavy as hell. A music video has been released for this song a few days back which was very well received.
“Blue Lightning Man” goes on a different path with a really tipsy intro and then goes on into the riffs. The vocalist has also done a great job here. The sixth track is also a bit different from the rest of the album- this one is a bit slow and melodic with the twin guitars and the Hammond takes a step back. “Did You” is also a bit softer on some parts. The album goes heavier again in the next two songs.
“Truth Is a Lie” has a nice bluesy feel and has a breath-taking solo towards the end. The final song ends with a final dual attack by the guitars and the Hammond, which has been the somewhat USP of the album.
‘Sainted Sinners’ will surely send you on a trip down memory lane with its classic blues and heavy rock sound. These guys might easily pass off as a modern day Deep Purple! Also, Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy) has done a great job with the production.