Without sounding like a parrot this is yet another quality release from Frontiers Records – and no, I haven’t got shares in the company. It’s just that they seem to be on a bit of a roll at the moment. And of course, being a Frontiers release it is AOR we’re talking about again. 

House Of Lords were formed in 1988. A fact I found incredible when looking at the biog stuff for this album. They will be coming up to their twentieth anniversary soon! Their self-titled debut is regarded as a classic and the band were originally signed to Gene Simmons own label. 

Therefore it seems incredible that this band have survived the slings and arrows of the million and one metal music trends that have passed since. But here they are in all their glory with original keyboardist Gregg Giuffria reunited in places with singer James Christian. The result is a classic AOR album of stadium rock proportions that barely has a naff moment on it.  

Of course if you hate AOR you will think this album complete pants. But, of its genre, it is one of the best in recent years, now that the AOR revival is truly on with Journey coming to these shores after 25 years.  

Singer James Christian is on top form as he whales through ‘These are the Times’. He is aided and abetted by guitarist Jimi Bell who puts in a superb understated performance throughout the whole album. Giuffria is simply Giuffria. You can here him in the mix but in a subtle way that layers the whole CD and one that still confirms Giuffria as one of the all time great AOR performers. 

So from the angst of ‘Field of Broken Dreams’ to the rocky ‘Rock Bottom’ House Of Lords cover all the bases and once again you can’t but help admire the musical ability and songwriting on offer here.  

Final track ‘World Upside Down’ is the sort of stadium rock ballad Aerosmith would give their left wotsit for. I honestly don’t see why the band couldn’t have a hit with it in the states. It really is that good. (If you like stadium rock ballads!)  

All in all this is a fine album that apart from a couple of moments of pomposity (inevitable I suppose on any AOR release!) is a must listen to for all fans of the revived AOR scene. This is high quality stuff, that even the band say is probably their best album to date. But then they would say that I suppose.

Let us know your views on 'World Upside Down'

Track List

Mask Of Eternity
These Are The Times
All The Way To Heaven
Field Of Shattered Dreams
I'm Free
All The Pieces Falling
Rock Bottom
Million Miles
Your Eyes
Ghost Of Time
My Generation
S.O.S
World Upside Down

Line  Up

James Christian - Vocals
Jimi Bell - Guitars
BJ Zampa- Drums
Jeff Kent - Bass/Keys
Gregg Giuffria - Keys