Red Dragon Cartel, the new project featuring guitarist Jake E. Lee, opens up with “Deceived,” chunky with a clear tight drive, Darren James’ solid growl of a vocal and a catchy chorus. It’s been a long time since we’ve heard from the ex-Ozzy Osbourne and Badlands guitarist, but after an appearance on That Metal Show and culling members for the band from over a thousand submissions, Lee and his producer (and bass player) R. Bernard Mann (AKA Ronnie Mancuso) produced a very heavy collection of 10 tunes that prove Lee’s return has been worth the wait.
“Shout It Out” features solid staccato drums from Jonas Fairley and Lee riffing all over, sounding a lot like Buckcherry. “Feeder” has a “nah nah nah” teasing-like vocal from Cheap Trick singer Robin Zander, while Lee slays in the middle section, showing off his still impressive expressive playing. “Wasted” struts with original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno growling on as heavy and as straight ahead a rocker as you get here – unforgiving, bombastic and wonderful. Spinning at blinding speed, Fairley’s bass drumming and Lee’s bumblebee-like buzzing drive “Slave,” a song that feature one of James’ best vocals.
“Big Mouth” plods and kicks ass with In The Moment singer Maria Brink shredding her voice. “War Machine” starts as a heavy bass ode, thumping with a dark menace ala Sabbath then it moves into some metal swing (even more like Sabbath) as Lee takes flight. “Redeem Me” is more accessible, lifted up a bit from the rest of the heavy metal here to something that almost has a Black Crowes sway to it. “Exquisite Tenderness” features some pretty piano, presumably played by Lee. Slightly uncharacteristic, you have to love the change up. On the whole, Red Dragon Cartel is good and heavy stuff with a few intriguing twists and turns to help it stand out. Best of all, it’s good to have Jake E. Lee back on stage with a band and ready to rock.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
