HOUSE OF LORDS - SELF-TITLED (ANGEL, Giuffria) 12" LP VINYL Album

In the vibrant landscape of late 1980s hard rock, House of Lords emerged with their self-titled debut album, a melodic tour de force that showcased the band's musical prowess and songwriting talent. Released in 1988 on Gene Simmons' label and distributed by RCA Records, this album marked a significant step for the band, solidifying their place in the genre and captivating audiences with their infectious hooks and powerful vocals.

Formed from the ashes of Giuffria, a band led by keyboardist Gregg Giuffria (formerly of Angel), House of Lords brought together a talented lineup of musicians. James Christian's soaring vocals, Lanny Cordola's electrifying guitar work, Chuck Wright's solid bass lines, and Ken Mary's dynamic drumming formed the backbone of their sound. With Giuffria's keyboard wizardry adding a touch of grandeur, House of Lords crafted a unique blend of hard rock, melodic metal, and AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) elements.

The album opens with the anthemic "I Wanna Be Loved," a song that immediately grabs the listener's attention with its catchy chorus and energetic instrumentation. The track perfectly encapsulates the band's signature sound, blending hard-hitting riffs with soaring melodies and Christian's passionate vocals. Other standout tracks include the driving "Love Don't Lie," the bluesy "Under Blue Skies," and the power ballad "Slip of the Tongue."

House of Lords' self-titled debut was recorded at Rumbo Recorders in Los Angeles, a studio known for its work with renowned artists such as Van Halen, Toto, and Fleetwood Mac. The album's production, helmed by the experienced Paul Stanley (of Kiss fame), ensured a polished and professional sound that further enhanced the band's musicality.

Despite critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, the album faced some challenges in the wake of the changing musical landscape. The rise of grunge and alternative rock in the early 1990s overshadowed many melodic hard rock acts, including House of Lords. However, the album's enduring appeal and the band's loyal following ensured its status as a cult classic.

James Christian's Vocal Prowess:

James Christian's soaring vocals are a defining feature of the album. His powerful range, emotive delivery, and ability to hit those high notes captivated audiences and solidified his place as one of the premier vocalists in melodic hard rock.

Catchy Hooks and Melodic Sensibilities:

The album is packed with memorable hooks and infectious melodies. Songs like "I Wanna Be Loved" and "Love Don't Lie" are instantly recognizable and have become fan favorites due to their sing-along choruses and earworm melodies.

 

Gene Simmons' involvement with the production of House of Lords' self-titled debut stemmed from his role as the head of Simmons Records, the label to which the band was signed. While Simmons didn't directly produce the album himself, he played a crucial role in its development and release.

Simmons Records was a subsidiary of RCA Records, and Gene Simmons, as the label's founder, had a vested interest in the success of its artists. He saw potential in House of Lords and believed in their ability to make a mark in the hard rock scene. Therefore, he provided the band with the resources and support they needed to create their debut album.

While Gregg Giuffria and Andy Johns are credited as the album's producers, Simmons' influence was undoubtedly felt throughout the process. As the head of the label, he likely had input on various aspects of the production, from song selection and arrangement to overall sound and direction. His experience as a musician and industry veteran would have been valuable in guiding the band and ensuring the album's commercial viability.

Furthermore, Simmons' involvement extended beyond the production process. As the head of Simmons Records, he played a key role in securing distribution deals, promoting the album, and managing the band's career. His industry connections and marketing savvy helped raise the band's profile and get their music out to a wider audience.