SPOTLIGHT REVIEW: RED DRAGON CARTEL by Red Dragon Cartel

RED DRAGON CARTEL by Red Dragon Cartel
(Frontier Records)

Tracklisting: Deceived; Shout It Out; Feeder (featuring Robin Zander); Fall From The Sky (Seagull); Wasted (featuring Paul Di’Anno); Slave; Big Mouth (featuring Maria Brink); War Machine; Redeem Me (featuring Sass Jordan); Exquisite Tenderness.

He's back! After a self-imposed exile from the music industry and the public eye, heralded guitarist Jake E. Lee  (Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands) makes a triumphant  return to the fold with his new band, RED DRAGON CARTEL. So, did the hiatus effect Jake's playing in any way? Not one bit! From the opening riff of "Deceived", Jake's guitar hooks you in and doesn't let go! Not taking his foot off the pedal the band goes for the early knockout with "Shout It Out" with it's sinister groove, the lead off single, "Feeder" featuring Cheap Trick frontman, Robin Zander, that is sure to reaffirm that Jake hasn't lost his edge. D.J. Smith's vocals shine on, "Fall From The Sky (Seagull)", one of my personal favorite tracks. The album also features stellar guest appearances from legendary original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno on "Wasted", new metal icon vocalist Maria Brink from In This Moment on "Big Mouth", Canadian rocker Sass Jordan lends her chops on, "Redeem Me". Also featured are former Pantera and Down bassist Rex Brown, Slash’s Conspirators, Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz, Scott Reeder of Kyuss and The Obsessed and Five Finger Death Punch’s Jeremy Spencer. There is not a weak cut among the ten tracks that are offered here. The songs are  catchy and are played with deep feeling and attitude. D.J Smith 's vocals are rock solid. The rhythm section of bassist Ronnie Mancuso and drummer Jonas Fairley are slammin' and Jake E. Lee , without the a doubt in my mind has retained his guitar-god status. While the anticipation was high with this release, the real prize is getting to hear Jake E. Lee playing again; full of fire and passion.  A powerhouse debut release that has "Classic" written all over it. Red Dragon Cartel' s self titled debut is a high powered hard rock album that cuts to the bone. Once you hit play, there is no turning back! Welcome back Jake! - Highly Recommended
Tony aka The Atomic Chaser @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine