Rival Sons Lightbringer Album review

Hot on the heels of June’s Darkfighter comes the latest album from Long Beach / Nashville rockers Rival Sons, and it picks up right where its predecessor left off.

Lightbringer (see what they did there?) serves as a companion album to Darkfighter and gives us 6 songs of hard-rocking, blues infused songs that get the feet tapping and the head banging.

Opening track ‘Darkfighter’ (again – see what they did?) is an epic, sprawling track, coming in just shy of 9 minutes. Beautiful harmonies provide us with a gentle start but when the powerful chorus kicks in after 2 minutes we know we’re in for a good time. It’s a strong opener, reminiscent of Led Zeppelin at their sleaziest best. 

Mercy starts with a killer riff from Scott Holiday. The anthemic track ebbs and flows with instruments dropping in and out and including a phenomenal wah-wah-infused guitar solo. 

‘Redemption’, with its beautiful vocals and stripped back opening showcases Jay Buchanan’s songwriting and story telling skills. “Redemption comes in unfamiliar ways” he sings, as the song reaches a crescendo that combines the vocals with a guitar solo. 

Lead single ‘Sweet Life’ is an upbeat, radio-friendly tune that still rocks hard. Vocalist Buchanan is on fine form here as his voice goes from Paul Rogers-like blues to a wail that rivals Bruce Dickinson. We were reminded of what producer Dave Cobb said about him: “He’s unbelievable, a one-take guy — done.” The vocals are complimented by some great guitar work from Holiday and held down by the rock-solid rhythm section of Mike Miley and Dave Beste. It’s a strong, energised song that has all the ingredients to take the rock charts and radio stations by storm.

‘Before the Fire’ is a little softer, bringing the pace down with an epic one minute introduction before ‘Mosaic’ sees the album out.

Lines like “the broken pieces fit together” help provide a powerful end to the album. Buchanan’s vocals really shine in this and you can hear the emotion behind them, especially in the chorus.

Rival Sons have been nominated for two Grammys in the past, and we see no reason why Lightbringer shouldn’t go one step further.

Lightbringer is released on October 20th on Low Country / Atlantic.

Rival Sons start their UK tour at London’s Roundhouse on October 13 and finish in Southampton on the 22nd before heading around Europe.

Catch them if you can!

“Rival Sons’ ‘Lightbringer’: A Fiery Sequel That Keeps the Rock Flame Burning Bright”

Check out my interview with Scott.

Rival Sons Lightbringer Album review @Rocknews

You can check out more from Rival Sons below!
https://www.rivalsons.com/
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