THE DEAD DAISIES – Holy Ground

10/10

THE DEAD DAISIES - Holy Ground - 10/10

10/10

Summary

The Dead Daisies PTY LTD
Release date: January 22, 2021

[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]

10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.

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User Review

7.5/10 (1 vote)

The Backstory

The Dead Daisies are a self described music collective. Members come and members go. Past members include John Corabi, Marco Mendoza, Richard Fortus, Dizzy Reed, Frank Ferrer, Darryl Jones, Tommy Clufetos, Charley Drayton and Jon Stevens. Since it’s creation in 2013, The Dead Daisies have released four studio albums, one live album, and one covers album. The current line up features vocal legend and bassist Glenn Hughes, guitarists Doug Aldrich and David Lowy, and drummer Deen Castronovo. Their latest album is Holy Ground, it’s their first with Hughes on vocals.

The Album

The album kicks off with the bombastic energy of “Holy Ground (Shake the Memory).” The throaty and soulful vocals of Glenn Hughes are instantly recognizable. The band works great as a unit when it comes to harmonizing. The intoxicating chorus of “Like No Other” is sure to be stuck in your head for a few days. Guitarist Doug Aldrich lays down some fiery licks like only he can. Drummer Deen Castronovo keeps a sexy groove. Hughes gets a chance to solo on the bass about halfway through.

Glenn is a preacher at the pulpit on “Come Alive.” Hughes is at his cocksure best on “Bustle and Flow,” but he’s not so dominant that the other members of The Dead Daisies don’t shine. “My Fate” is much darker and meatier than the tracks before it, but maintains that melodic bluesy sound. “Saving Grace” is about as close as you’re going to get to a love ballad on this album, and that’s only lyrically. The pounding drums and sharp riffs are simply killer.

”Unspoken” is a mixed tempo rocker with a enchantingly melodic chorus section. The Dead Daisies give Humble Pie’s “30 Days in the Hole” a swift kick in the ass, by boosting the dynamics and soul. We’re 10 tracks in now and the group shows no signs of slowing down on “Righteous Days.” “Far Away” starts of soft and serine, but builds to an emotional and guitar charged finale.

The Verdict

There are some great Rock albums out there that contain each of these musicians while outside of The Dead Daisies. Together, Hughes, Aldrich, Lowy, and Castronovo truly define what it means to be a Rock “supergroup” on Holy Ground. All “supergroups” that come after them should be held to the high standards of the music on this album. Hell, if past “supergroups” could only be this damn good. Holy Ground is full of constant rock energy and blusey groove that never lets up. Hopefully, this relationship will stand the test of time, because you know how it ends for “supergroups.”

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Tracklist

Holy Ground (Shake the Memory)
Like No Other (Bassline)
Come Alive
Bustle and Flow
My Fate
Chosen and Justified
Saving Grace
Unspoken
30 Days in the Hold
Righteous Days
Far Away

The Dead Daisies are

Glenn Hughes – Vocals, Bass
Doug Aldrich – Guitars
Deen Castronovo – Drums
David Lowy – Guitars

About George Dionne 288 Articles

George was a contributor here at Metal Express Radio, reviewing albums and conducting interviews, out of Massachusetts, USA. George has contributed to numerous music related websites and blogs, and even managed his own from 2004-2009. George's first assignment was covering a live show by the mighty GWAR. By contrast his later assignments featured Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi. George was also the front man for the South Eastern Massachusetts cover band Sound Tower from 2009-2015. Sound Tower played 300+ shows across MA and had two original songs on the Cape Cod radio station PIXY 103. George enjoys a good whiskey, scotch, and/or bourbon and fights crime in his spare time.