When you take a former QUIET RIOT vocalist, RIOT V’s lead guitarist for the past 2+ decades, and the rhythm section of STRYPER (who I’ve seen a few months back and can attest that the foursome is sounding more energized and robust than in years), something’s bound to happen. But what, pray tell? Well, let’s just see then, shall we?
Leading off with a short yet subtle guitar pattern, it doesn’t take long for CLEANBREAK to get ‘Coming Home’ firing on all cylinders, Durbin’s vocals as reliable as ever, and the staccato riffing of Mike Flyntz riding atop the driving beats and bass to create pure heavy rock and roll, something of which the world circa 2022 could always use. Sweet and Richardson were the ideal choice for this blending, as ‘Before The Fall’ can attest, their years of playing together building a solid foundation. While this tune might not be as fast-paced, it’s no less hard charging, and may even be the heavier for it.
‘We Are The Warriors’ is the first appearance to my ears of true heavy metal here, early 220 VOLT and DOKKEN reference points – you know, before they got all permed up and frilly – and ‘Dream Forever’ is heavier still, Flyntz’s nuanced phrasings between the main chord patterns moving effortlessly through the verses, shining in the chorus. Awash in background vocals and the most reminiscent of STRYPER circa Reborn, ‘The Pain Of Goodbye’ is where Durbin takes center stage, the vocal melodies perfectly arranged and instantly, instantly memorable. The spoken intro to the solo does bring to mind Empire-era QUEENSRCYHE, which is nothing I’ll ever complain about.
Ending with ‘No Other Heart’, CLEANBREAK makes its first misstep, and maybe it’s personal preference, but I feel a band should always end with a song that encapsulates the best of what’s come before on the album, and I just don’t feel it with this tune. All told, though, aside from this and another minor gripe (Guys? Guys! Maybe a ballad next time?), Coming Home is a gathering of consummate professionals brought together for the sheer love of music, and thus a success.
Review By: Lord Randall
CLEANBREAK
Coming Home
Frontiers Music
3.5 / 6