The Lizards are not exactly a new band but with the addition of drummer Bobby Rondinelli and singer Mike DeMeo it took on a refreshing new feel. The two join Patrick Klein (guitar) and Randy Pratt (bass) to form a kick-ass Bluesy Hard Rock band. If you are a fan of music along the lines of Led Zeppelin and Gary Moore you will certainly enjoy the type of stuff that The Lizards are delivering. In songs like "Cold Blooded Kings" it's pretty much straight ahead Rock, but when the tune "Hyperspace" begins its more along the lines of Edgar Winter or Deep Purple. Clearly there is a strong love for the classical styles in the members of the band. Klein's guitar work is both stylish and full of feeling while Randy's bass work is smooth works so well. Randy also plays harmonica at times and it works in the context of the music. Rondinelli comes to the band after several years working in Blue Oyster Cult. Rock fans around the world will remember Bobby also for his contributions in Rainbow as well as an album with Black Sabbath and Doro. He is a seasoned Veteran and his work on the album is come of the best drumming I have listened to from him. Vocals are handled by Mike DeMeo who was a member of Riot, a powerhouse Metal act. The music that the Lizards do really showcases the vocal abilities that Mike has. He is also singing very different from soaring Metal epics that require screams and yells. It's an interesting change, and he does it quite well.
Some of my favorite tunes are "Down" which is a soulful Blues number that just hits home. "Hyperspace" which I already referenced above is chock full of great stuff and just moves so well across the whole track. I have managed to catch the group in performance recently and can attest to their sounding great in concert. It's really a great release and if the legends of Blues oriented Rock appeal to you already you need to add the Lizards Cold Blooded Kings to your collection.
Track Listing
- The Opal Crest Of Zed
- Cold Blooded Kings
- Take A Ride
- Down
- Rising Star
- Hyperspace
- Dark Matter
- We Are Dinosaurs
- Magic Cloud
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