Customer Reviews

House of Lords

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

France's Axe Killer labels latest re-issue is the House of Lords first album (CD). This has always been one of my favorite albums, and I was eager to hear the "new and improved" version. A bit of background, House Of Lords was formed out of the group "Giuffria"(who released 2 albums, the 1984 self-titled, and the 1986 Silk + Steel). Greg Giuffria (keyboards), Lanny Cordola (guitar), Chuck Wright (bass- who played on the first G. album) and new members, drummer Ken Mary, and vocalist James Christian (who exec producer and label owner Gene Simmons had recommended).The two later releases from this group featured various band members (between the two Giuffria albums, and the three HOL albums, there was never the same line-up twice)! A few songs on this album (Pleasure Palace, Slip of the Tongue, Under Blue Skies, and Jealous Heart) were written during the Giuffria time period, with then vocalist David Glen Isley sharing the writing credit. If you have always had this album, as I have (which originally came out on CD, Cassette, *and* vinyl in 1988 on now-defunct Simmons label) there are no surprises. If not, you missed a classic and now is your chance. The album is a heavy keyboard driven (with a great extended keyboard based intro. to the first track, Pleasure Palace), yet with the guitar parts blending and countering perfectly. The songs range from the heavier side (Pleasure Palace, Slip of the Tongue, Hearts of the World) to upbeat melodic rockers (I Wanna Be Loved, Lookin' for Strange, Under Blue Skies, Call My Name) to a heavy/power-ballad style where the band really achieves their own sound (Edge Of Your Life, Love Don't Lie, Jealous Heart). A bonus is the 1 minute acoustic guitar piece by Lanny Cordola prior to the last track, Jealous Heart. This album seems to continue in the direction that the band Giuffria was going in, although overall it's heavier than Silk + Steel, yet the instrument arrangements are similar. It is also similar to the two other HOL releases, Sahara (also recently re-issued by Axe Killer) and the hard to find Demon's Down, as well as James Christian's solo album, Rude Awakening. Regarding the "re-packaged" version, I have to give high marks. The original packaging was a black and white booklet with lyrics and credits. (The vinyl version had a clear plastic insert, no lyrics, credits on the back cover.) The Axe Killer version has a full color booklet, with lyrics, credits, individual member photos and a group photo, and a brief one page liner note mainly on the background of Greg and his previous bands. The back insert has the serial number listed out of the 3000 copies being made, and the jewel case comes in a cardboard outer sleeve, with a larger front cover emblem, and the song listing on the back. The "bonus track" ...well, it's actually a remix of Love Don't Lie, which appears to be the "radio edit" (read: shorter) version. The second verse is cut out, some background vocals are removed, and the guitar is a bit buried compared to the full length version. I suspect that this remix is the same version that was previously available on the CD single back in '88. As for re-mastering, I compared it to the original CD version, and the re-mastered version has an overall higher output volume, the bass and high end are accentuated, yet the guitar volume is mixed back (although I think this is just a perceptive result of having the bass and high end increased). It sounds to me as if the "re-mastering" was done by processing the master through a compressor and aural exciter, with slight equalization, as opposed to performing a full remix of the original multitrack tape. Overall, the sound quality of this version just blows away the original -- greater highs, greater lows, and overall clarity. This album is a collection of well-written songs, expertly arranged, well played, and has a very current heavy kicking sound, especially considering it was originally recorded in 1988. What I feel set this band apart and defined their sound was the complex interplay between the keyboards and guitars. Both are very strong, yet don't try to overpower each other. All of the songs achieve a sense of power, and retain melodic elements -- no screaming or repetitious riffing here! One of my fav albums and a great example of melodic/hard rock. This album originally came out with the right sound at the right time, and it's nice to see it re-issued now. Even if you already have the original CD,(or CD and vinyl as I do) the re-issue is worth picking up for the improved sound quality alone, and the booklet is a bonus! With the recent news that HOL has reformed (with the line-up from this album) to do a new studio album, I look forward to new material from this group

One of the best pop-metal albums of the late Eighties, this offering was largely overlooked by both fans and critics alike. Heavily influenced by keyboard rhythms and classical/metal style solos, this album offers a more progressive type of pop-metal. Cuts such as "Jealous Heart, "Edge Of Your Life", "Under Blue Skies", and "Pleasure Palace" set the overall mood of this debut CD from House Of Lords. This disc actually offers a higher quality of musicianship than many of the other more well known "where are they now" bands offered in the late Eighties. "House Of Lords" is an album containing a little more substance than just "T & A tunes" (although "Slip Of The Tongue" is an exception), and tries a little harder to refine its artistic edge. Definitely worth a listen if you enjoyed the style that the Eighties offered, yet don't want just radio metal, this disc displays a more refined and coordinated style of writing than many of the other albums released around the same time. Produced by Kiss' Gene Simmons.

Whew!! This CD simply grabs you and won't let go! I had purchased this CD several years back on the RCA label. I was pleased to learn that AxeKiller had recently re-mastered this epic of late 80s Pomp. Axekiller has improved the quality of this recording considerably. Also, the CD slip cover scores points as well - nicely done packaging!

From "Pleasure Palace" through to "Jealous Heart" this release is strong and will not disappoint.

The opener, "Pleasure Palace", showcases the keyboard mastery of Gregg Giuffria - one of the most creative players in the rock business. The entire band executes this number perfectly.

James Christian and Lanny Cordola deliver scorching performances on "Jealous Heart", a track co-written by Giuffria/Eisley. This track is high on emotion and really hits hard. After a few listens you may well concede it to be the finest song on this release.

Yes, this is truly what rock was meant to be. Just think how great rock music would be today if 80s metal was not "intentionally killed" by record companies and disgusting (can you say "baggy"?) 90s fashion and mentality.

A

House of Lords was a terrific band back then in the hair metal era. This first album from the band is surely very consistent from its beginning to its end. Extremely high quality music! I can say that the three albums the band recorded in those years are the pinnacle of Gregg Giuffria music and some of the best music of that decade. Greg was Angel's keyboard player in the past and after that he tried another time with a band called Giuffria to reach another huge commercial success and high level of music quality. But he had to wait until House Of Lords were born to obtain another time what he deserved. This music is epic, melodic, powerful hair metal, some of the best music of the period for sure. The sound of the band had great impact. The fusion between nice keyboard sounds and heavy distorted sounds generated an extraordinary powerful amalgama in the hands of these men. James Christian voice was superlative in the category and the songwriting consitently high on all the original three albums (this one, Sahara and Demons down). I treasure the three albums fron the band I was fortunate enough to have bought them at that time. Now they are unavailable unfortunatly. If you find them and you like fantastic energetic, high quality hair metal, buy them immediatly.

I never thought this album would come out remastered. I'm glad I was wrong. This is a good sounding remaster. The base might be just a bit overdone though. I'm always for great base but it seems to overwhelm this disc just a bit. I think overall it does sound better than the old CD, but I have kept the old one just the same until I can compare them a bit more. The music of course is fantastic. Great guitar work, great keys, James Christian's vocals are great as well. My favorite tracks are definately "Lookin' for Strange", and "Slip of the Tongue", although there are no bad ones on this album.

i love this album, pure pomp rock style only done with muscianship. every song on here is a masterpiece no denying it. it has 3 awesome factors: Made avaible to the public,Remasterd superb audio sound, and the packaging is enhanced to benefit the most envious fan!! yeah it may cost a few dollars more than a normal album but it is one of the best albums released back then its just that not many people knew or cared about these guys. or they got lumped in with those corprate bands. classic album indeed.

I don't know if everyone is aware, but this is a re-release CD. This originally came out in 1988, when I bought it on tape. All the songs are the same and in the same order. This is there second best CD. The first tape, w/ four songs came out in the summer of 1987. Three songs are on this CD, but there is a song that you will only find on that original tape called "waiting on love." That is their best song EVER. If you can find that tape, buy it just for that song, it's worth it!!! Anyway, Sahara, by far as everyone else has said, was there best CD and I'm sure it will be re-released in the future, just as this CD was. My favorite song off Sahara would have to be "Can't find my way home," but all 10 songs are AWESOME. Demon Down is my least favorite CD and I guess the band broke-up because they started to loss their edge. Anyway, they where and always will be one of my top 10. To the group, you get 5 stars based on the fact you were one of the greatest bands of the 80's and into the 90's.

Hard not to be lost for words with this one...its brilliant. After the chequered releases of Angel, then the faltering quality of Giuffria's follow up , 'House of Lords' debut arrived and said loud and clear 'we deserve attention'. Problem being once again for Mr Giuffria that his band was in the wrong place at the wrong time, during a period when all people cared about was big hair and Motley Crue's squealings. This CD contains ten slabs of monsterously under appreciated pomp rock. Swirling keyboards welcome us to the "Pleasure Palace" a great opener, the pace slows for the first single being "I Wanna Be Loved" which introduces us all proper to James Christian's velvet vocals, that in retrospect come across kinda like an amalgam of David Coverdale and Paul Rogers. Next we launch into the gem "Edge of Your Life" which quite simply could inspire you to charge into battle in the highlands of Scotland being so powerful and almighty in its content. Only two songs kinda disappoint here in my opinion and they both perhaps were recommendations from associate producer Gene $immons being sex angled ditties "Looking For Strange" (is Gene in there?) and "Slip of the Tongue". Things certainly improve big time with the trio that follow being "Hearts of the World", a chest beating anthem, "Under Blue Skies" another battle hymn and "Call my Name" read jaw dropping! I've left until last mention of "Love Don't Lie" and "Jealous Heart" cause even though they are essentially "love songs" and a little independant in content to the rest on offer here, they too are magnificant. I bet Paul Stanley wished he could have written them both. Rumour has it the band is back in action....and even if I'm the only one who cares, I'll care alot! Buy on sight!

This debut album from House of Lords contains some respectable material. The album is in a melodic hard rock vein. There are a total of ten tracks. I find the musicianship and songwriting to be pretty tight. The production isn't bad, either. Gregg Giuffria does a really nice job with the keyboard playing. Lanny Cordola also does a skilled job with the guitar duties. The vocalist is good, too. My favorite songs are "Jealous Heart," "Love Don't Lie," and "Edge of Your Life." "Pleasure Palace" also happens to be an enjoyable tune that sports majestic keyboard playing. The keyboard playing is what I like most about this album. "Edge of Your Life" is a melodious song that benefits from the atmospheric keyboard textures. "Love Don't Lie" is a power ballad that has a very attractive intro. Lanny Cordola's guitar playing on the intro is catchy and emotional. "Jealous Heart" is a melodic rocker with an energetic chorus. House of Lords did a satisfying job with this album. I do admit that there are a couple of songs I'm not a personal fan of. "Lookin' for Strange" and "Slip of the Tongue" are straight-ahead rockers that are too formulaic. Both of them don't fit in with the rest of the album's material. This album has some nice aspects. I like to listen to it sometimes. Worth a listen.

This is the debut album by American melodic hard rock/AOR band "House of Lords" originally released in 1989. "House of Lords", arguably the archetypal AOR super-group of the lat e 80s, were actually a re-formed version of the band "Giuffria". Under Gene Simmon's management, AOR hero Greg Giuffria reunited with former "Giuffira" members guitarist Lanny Cordola and bassist Chuck Wright (who played on the debut album). The line up also featured "Fifth Angel"/Alice Cooper drummer Ken Mary and last but not least, singer James Christian who would led the band through the decades.

"House of Lords" arguably set to combine the most appealing elements of 80s rock drawing from such subgenres as melodic hard rock, AOR and glam metal. Perhaps the album's greatest achievement comes down to the fact that all musicians are given room to shine on "House of Lords" each of the five a protagonist in their own right.

Songs commonly open on Giuffria's imaginative keyboard harmonies which also kick in during the choruses. Lanny's guitar is just as much in the spotlight delivering thick opening riffs and flamboyant melodic shredding. Ken Mary's drum attack is up front in the mix while the stickman holds nothing back delivering big toms and the occasional double bass attack. The latter is perfectly complemented by Wright's bass lines handling everything from pomp AOR, to hair metal to melodic hard rock, delivering the appropriate tone on each occasion. Finally there is Chrisitan's monumental performance making instant classics out of "Pleasure Palace" , "Edge of your life", "Hearts of the world" and "I wanna be loved".

"House of lords" would go through various line-up changes in the following years, break up and re-form with only consistency provided by James Christian who went on to lead the group in the new millennium effectively releasing a string of superior melodic hard rock albums. Still the "House of Lords" debut still stands as the very definition of a super-group at work!