Shadows Fade is yet another in a line of  project form Frontiers Records that takes a name vocalist, in this case former 707, Steel Breeze, The Storm & Two Fires frontman Kevin Chalfont, and provides said vocalist  with a set of songs all ready to record. Previous albums in much the same vein include the recent Danny Vaughn 'From The Inside' opus and the slightly older 'Over The Edge' release featuring Mickey Thomas, from back in May 2004. This concept of pairing a singer with the songs is, however, by no means a new idea, having been used back in the 60's by labels such as Motown amongst others.

The previous 'From The Inside' & 'Over The Edge' releases were masterminded by the usual Frontiers  “house band “ ,led by multi-instrumentalist and producer Fabrizio Grossi. This time around however the Shadows Fade  project brings the talents of one time Dokken guitarist Alex DeRosso to the fore. With DeRosso being responsible for the  recording and producing of all of the musical accompaniment to this CD in his own Italian based studio, it was left to Chalfont to simply provide the feature vocals, once the completed tracks were sent to him via the internet.

I’ve been a fan of Chalfont’s voice since hearing the 707-album 'Mega Force' and the first Storm CD (bought after an interview in Kerrang, now how likely is that today!). Unfortunately this release, though not bad as such, proves to be very much a one paced affair, with all of the tracks being mid tempo power ballads and  a distinct lack of out and out rockers or more up –tempo numbers.

Of the tracks on display, the standout cuts are 'Sooner Or Later' and 'My Ocean', both of which happen to sound very much like Storm outtakes. Unfortunately beyond these two tracks the rest of the album proves to be not very memorable at all. As I stated earlier I like Chalfont’s voice, but with his performance on this album, it sounds like he is not pushing himself at all.

This album can only be recommended for late night, lights down low listening as it just too laid back. A disappointing 5/10. I would love to see Chalfont team up with a proper band next time around and write and release an album that is more up-tempo or rockier vein. 

I wonder what Gregg Rolie is doing these days?

Let us know your views on 'The Second Coming'

Track List

Twisted Again
Sooner Or Later
Run To Me
My ocean
First love Song
Without
Give It Up
Masquerade
I Won't Look Back
Now That You're Gone
Speak

Line Up

Kevin Chalfont - Vocals
Alex DeRosso - All Instruments