Damon, Jesse: Damon's Rage

Given the sheer volume of material we get sent and it really is a lot, it is very difficult to be cynical about the ways in which PR companies and record labels try to get one's attention. The people behind Jesse Damon (who? would be an equally cynical question.) Let's see what's what about Mr. Damon.

PR Quote: “The musical pathway of Jesse Damon’s life has been inspired by some of the biggest artists in rock music.�

Translation: There's about to be some namedropping.

PR Quote: “Jesse's story starts back in the glory days of the eighties as the lead singer and guitarist for the band Silent Rage that rose to fame in 1989 when signed by Gene Simmons to Simmons/RCA Records for their second release entitled Don't Touch Me There which brought critical acclaim and rave reviews.�

Translation: Clank. Critical acclaim and reviews is code for nobody bought it.

PR Quote: “ It was deemed # 1 album on the European Charts. "Rebel With A Cause" was the single featured on MTV and the video placed into heavy rotation on MTV's Head Bangers Ball.�

Translation: The video got shown on the tv. Also, the European Charts isn't a thing.

PR Quote: “ The strength of the album and video led to the band opening for Black Sabbath on their North American tour. During this time in Jesse's career he formed a friendship with Gene Simmons of Kiss, co-writing songs together and eventually co-writing the song “Thou Shalt Not� from the Kiss album Revenge for which Jesse was presented a gold album award.�

Translation: Another clank and an enticement for KISS completists. Also, Black Sabbath weren't exactly at their peak in 90s were they?

I could go on and it's no fault of Jesse Damon that hyperbole is required to try to drum up interest. Sadly, in the real world, Damon's Rage isn't exactly full of rage but from beginning to end there's some very fine tunes which, probably in the 1980s would have been pretty big hits. In the hands of say, Bon Jovi "Lonely Tonight" could have been massive. It's a cool ballad about being on the road with a nice little radio friendly solo. Much of the album would have once been ideal for radio. [sidenote; does anybody still listen to mainstream radio any more?] Damon has a strong grip on melody and power and songs such as "Adrenaline" are full of well, adrenaline and beefiness. The whole album is wildly out of style but for those who dig melody driven hard (ish) rock it's pretty fun.

Track Listing:
1. Play To Win

2. Love Gone Wild

3. Damon's Rage

4. Electric Magic

5. Tell Me Lili

6. Here Comes Trouble

7. Love Is The Answer

8. Shadows Of Love

9. Flying Dutchman

10. Adrenaline

11. Lonely Tonight

12. Wildest Dreams

Added: May 4th 2020
Reviewer: Simon Bray
Score:
Related Link: Artist Facebook Page
Hits: 701
Language: english

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