When a lead guitarist from the thrash metal realm first connected with modern rock and timeless 80s melodies and storytelling, the mighty Lion Drome were quick to deliver a series of uniquely creative, performative and brilliantly original songs.
Their music was consistently interesting – a key point to make – but also impressive and unpredictable, and this summer that truth resounds in swathes, as their highly-anticipated album Hero Down hits all major platforms.
Beginning with Black Light Cobra, the cinematic, arena-ready vastness and contrasting prog-rock distortion, the anthemic outcry, all collaborates well throughout an energising, mysterious opening song. Progressive rock is grounding, while the lyrics are playful, the vocals are impassioned and versatile, and the set-up and structure achieve some careful fusion of quirky theatrical and thoughtfully provocative.
It’s a strong start, from an album noting 11 original tracks in full, and turning the corner into a U2-esque ethereal rock whisper and wonder, for The Dream of Traveler VII.
Stories are the lifeblood of Hero Down, but they feel vague enough to be almost metaphorical and made the listeners own – the details intrigue, but the overall vibe and resolve of songs like this gift a personal feel, and that’s is a line that Lion Drome always walk well.
For the title-track we get a touch of psychedelic rock, lighter tones and a wonderful bassline, an intoxicating groove and something like Pink Floyd to Bowie vocals lightly soaked in reverb – plus a melody that’s partly melancholic, partly optimistic. An early personal favourite, and creatively powerful in contrast, instrumentation, and emotion all at once. We also hear the true talent and nuance of a superb leading vocalist on tracks like this – another worthy trait that keeps you coming back to the eclecticism of Lion Drome.
King Of The Club injects a twist of funky keys and countering drama, while First Train takes a more spacious eighties route and lays down something a little less lyrically full.
After this, the acoustic guitar picking of Lost Along The Way feels like the stripped-back Led Zeppelin moment of the album, again blending those eighties influences for something evocative and memorable – another personal highlight, but all the more effective for its smart placement before the soaring electric guitar riffs and high-octane tempo of a rather exhilarating Star 5280. The latter is easily one of the most instantly recognisable tracks on the album.
Something haunting and world-music infused lets the pop-rock groove of Deliver Us set a new kind of vibe, before we get a brilliant arena anthem of satisfying resolves and playful creativity letting 8 Trac Flashback add something like a post-punk crescendo to the album.
After this, a sultry funky soul and indie-rock or Brit-pop aura lets Goodnight Sleep Tight connect beautifully – Lion Drome masterfully arranging these diverse yet likable songs every step of the way.
I Will Follow (U2 cover) wraps things up with a classic pop-punk and rock-style anthem, a chant-like repeat and refrain, but there’s also a radio-edit of the distinct 8 Trac Flashback to appreciate, for those of a mildly more mainstream disposition.
Lion Drome are impressive, they’re interesting – first and foremost – they’re unpredictable, but they also make sure to engage listeners, with soaring riffs, powerful countering voices and energies, and stories that feel relatable but impossible to expect.
The influences are vast, but the sound still somehow holds closely to its own recognisable voice. Maybe that’s the frontman’s tone, the performative flair, the playfulness, the nuance or metaphorical implications. Maybe it’s the rise and fall of each song, the delicacy and ferocity all contained within the walls of every chapter.
In any case, Hero Down is a brilliantly cool, complex and unique album, and it’s absolutely worth a listen – especially if real rock music and artistic freedom are what moves you or fires you up.
Find Lion Drome on Facebook, Reverbnation & their Website.
