LAST IN LINE: Jericho (HEAVY METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

It didn't take Last In Line more than two albums to free itself from the ever-present shadow of Dio, the man behind the band's creation. At the same time, with the pedigree of the musicians present - we'll spare you the umpteenth presentation - it's hardly surprising that the quartet was able to quickly forge its own identity. Here comes "Jericho", the British-American band's third opus, which sees Chris Collier (Korn, Whitesnake, Lynch Mob, Prong...) take over from Jeff Pilson on production.

Whereas "II" had shone with its heaviness four years earlier, it's astonishing to discover a nervous 'Not Today Satan' which opens hostilities by reminding us that Andrew Freeman once rubbed shoulders with The Offspring. Has Last In Line decided to turn neo-punk to confirm its emancipation from the monument that brought them together at its creation under the leadership of Ronnie James Dio? Fortunately, the sequel sets the record straight. 'Ghost Town' is a dark, Led Zeppelin-influenced powerhouse that runs through the rest of the album. Vivian Campbell takes advantage of the opportunity to unleash a gleaming solo, supported by a fearsome acceleration of tempo. The Northern Irishman enjoys a freedom here that he is largely deprived of within Def Leppard, and he takes full advantage of it.

Although the 'Hurricane Orlagh'/'Walls Of Jericho' sequence is wild and edgy, the rest of the tracks are mostly old-school, heavy hard rock, with faint shadows of Whitesnake ('Ghost Town'), Thin Lizzy ('Story Of My Life') or early Def Leppard ('We Don't Run'). But in no way does the combo's personality fade behind the influences scattered here and there. Only on 'House Party At The End Of The World' is the riff from... Dio's 'We Rock' too strong to go unnoticed. In the middle of this muscular, rootsy set, we'll remember the hypnotic, monumental 'Bastard Son', the captivating 'Burning Bridges' with its superb build-up, or the groovy 'Do The Work' with its unifying chorus.

Apart from its opening track, "Jericho" confirms the balance Last In Line has struck between its roots and its own identity. The performance is flawless, with a huge rhythm section, Andrew Freeman's varied, impeccable vocals and Vivian Campbell in full bloom. Only a slight feel of linearity prevents this third opus from proving totally essential. Nonetheless, it's a fine piece of powerful, racy hard rock that will fully satisfy fans of the style. - Official website

LAST IN LINE

JERICHO

EAR MUSIC

HEAVY METAL