Well, we never thought that we would see David Lee Roth back in Van Halen. We never thought that we would see the four original members of KISS in full makeup and costume. We never thought that we’d see Jake E. Lee back in the music spotlight creating new material. Well, just like in the world of comic books, music lovers should learn to never say never. The guitar god who stepped in to fill some mighty big shoes with Ozzy Osbourne back in the 80s is back with a new band and a kick-ass new album.
It’s been well over a decade since Jake E. Lee delivered new music to his adoring fans. Well, that wait is over with the release of the self-titled debut album from Red Dragon Cartel. The band consists of vocalist Darren James Smith, drummer Jonas Fairley, bassist Ronnie Mancuso and of course, Jake E. Lee. The album began as a project similar to Slash’s 2010 self-titled solo album in which different guest vocalists would be brought in to sing, but it provided the nucleus for the formation of the band.
The guest appearances on this album read like a Who’s Who in music. Robin Zander of Cheap Trick handles lead vocal duties on the album’s lead-off single “Feeder”. Zander’s vocals fit perfectly on this track as if it was written specifically for him. “Wasted” features ex-Iron maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno and is one of those songs that may not hit you over the head upon your initial listen, but that damn thing will grow on you and become one of your favorites on the album.
Jake E. Lee appeared on In This Moment’s Blood album and the favor is returned as Maria Brink lends her vocals to the song “Big Mouth” and it’s another collaboration made in heaven. Maria drapes her sexy vocals over this stomping track with some nasty guitar parts throughout the song. Sass Jordan is another amazing female vocalist to make an appearance as she appears on “Redeem Me”. Sass has a very soulful, bluesy, raspy voice that fits like a glove on this track that kind of reminds me of Jake’s work on Badlands.
As for the tracks with Jake and his new band, the album kicks off with a guitar intro in the vein of “Bark at the Moon” on the song “Deceived” which lets you know that your guitar has developed no rust over the years. “Fall from the Sky (Seagull)” is a slower track with a bit of a psychedelic feel to it that really stands out. “War Machine” has an Ozzy/Black Sabbath feel to it that I am sure will please quite a few listeners. The closing track is one that will totally catch you off guard. It’s a piano instrumental by Jake entitled “Exquisite Tenderness” that is finally seeing the light of day after over 40 years of sitting on a shelf patiently awaiting it’s chance to be heard.
Overall, this is a damn solid album that features a lot of different flavors that will certainly satisfy the appetites of many of Jake’s fans who have been awaiting this day. The guest appearances, which also include Rex brown (Pantera), Jeremy Spencer (Five Finger Death Punch), Todd Kearns (Slash’s Conspirators), all add their own flare to the songs that they appear one and take them to another level. As for the other songs, the band is tight and the riffs are plentiful as Jake proves he is just as relevant now as he was in 1983 with “Bark at the Moon”. I really hope we don’t have to wait over a decade to hear what’s next for Jake as he has definitely tapped into something very special on this album.
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