HARDWARES

Tribute albums are usually a dime a dozen and rarely hit the mark because they’re quickly thrown together cash grabs that lack any semblance of passion. That’s where this album differs – this album is all about passion and heart. Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali self-financed this project to show his appreciation and thanks to a band and a drummer (John Bonham) that meant the world to him. He painstakingly chose each singer and guitarist with purpose to fit each song’s unique style and structure. Current Whitesnake guitarist, Doug Aldrich, doesn’t disappoint as he burns through ‘The Wanton Song’ while Bruce Kulick adds a little Kiss flare to ‘The Ocean’. On the vocalist side, Don Dokken adds spit and gravel to ‘Kashmir’ while Jeff Scott Soto (ex-Journey) funks up ‘Royal Orleans’. Frankie Banali, of course, gets to sit in his hero’s seat for the entire album and it’s clear that John would be proud. When a tribute album is done for all the right reasons (like this one is), fans cannot be disappointed. Put this on – enjoy the music, but mostly feel the passion and experience the joy.