by Derric Miller
— Managing Editor —
Former Silent Rage singer/guitarist Jesse Damon is back with a vengeance on his new solo release Damon’s Rage. When asked in a recent interview with Hardrock Haven if the title was a nod to his past, he said in part yes … and then expanded upon it in musical superhero context, speaking of the darkness and evils of the world and fighting against said chaos and bleakness with some rage, sense of justice, strength and goodness. It’s basically Thor’s hammer on an album.
The first single is “Play to Win,” a heavy riff leading the way, and then it turns into an almost Sammy Hagar-like anthem. Damon’s Rage is heavier than you are expecting; the guitar solos and leads all over the release impress, none more so on this track.
The title track “Damon’s Rage” has to be a barnburner, and it certainly is. It sounds like something created in the ’80s, it’s that good. This owns a huge chorus, just powerful and jubilant with a foreboding promise to check yourself and find something to believe in before it’s too late.
Things don’t really calm down until “Tell Me Lili,” a bass-heavy thumper, a paean to the bikini-clad starry-eyed beauties that are one of the reasons this genre of music ever succeeded so vastly in the first place. Another righteous gem.
“Shadows of Love” is led by keys, a mysterious, lust-filled composition. Damon has lost zero of his vocal ability over the decades, not just his range, but the nuances not every vocalist can tap into–the grit, the flowing crooning, the anthemic shouting, or just flat out delivering some strong vocals. It’s all apparent on Damon’s Rage.
Like the best albums, the more times you listen to it, the more it grows on you and you keep finding new facets to embrace. With 12 tracks, it’ll hold your interest as you keep digesting everything it has to offer. Overall, though, in a literary sense, Damon’s Rage takes Dylan Thomas’ words to heart, to “rage against the dying of the light.” Or, crack a cold one or 12, bang your head and sing along to what could likely end up being one of the year’s best Hard Rock releases …
Genre: Hard Rock
Band:
Jesse Damon – Lead and Backing Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Paul Sabu – Bass, Backing Vocals, Keyboards, Drums, Programming
Tracklisting:
1. Play To Win
2. Love Gone Wild
3. Damon’s Rage
4. Electric Magic
5. Tell Me Lili
6. Here Comes Trouble
7. Love is the Answer
8. Shadows of Love
9. Flying Dutchman
10. Adrenaline
11. Lonely Tonight
12. Wildest Dreams
Label: AOR HEAVEN
Online:
http://www.facebook.com/jesse.damon.7
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(8.7 / 10)
