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Radiation Romeos: Radiation Romeos

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

4.5/5.0

Website (Label)
Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 31.05.2017

The roots of Radiation Romeos go back to the early Eighties when founder Parramore "Perry" McCarty was the first singer for LA heavy metal band Warrior. Through three lengthy stints he stayed with band, recently leaving Warrior in 2014. Dropping back once more to the Eighties, McCarty was the vocalist for guitarist Steve Steven's (Billy Idol) first solo album, Atomic Playboys which, in turn, provides the inspiration for the name of McCarty's new band.

Radiation Romeos

McCarty and Radiation Romeo don't stray to much from his past nor his musical affiliations. The Radiation Romeos sound is essentially melodic hard rock with a metal edge, and often with a solid AOR vibe. For his vocals, McCarty has clean melodic delivery, sometimes a bit raspy and sometimes with a little metal screamo pitched in. Musically, the songs move on melody and harmony, and plenty of rhythm and rich rock groove, with catchy refrains. Guitarist Dag Heyne (Doc Heyne) lays down some terrific solos throughout.

As for the songs, there's a good variety for your interest. More metal-edged hard rockers come with Bad Bad Company, Mystic Mountain, and On The Tight Rope. If you toss in Monstertraxx, you'll notice how Radiation Romeos blur the distinction between metal and hard rock, and you may catch a subtle blues groove underneath. Alternatively, Radiation Romeos is a song that twists in that aforementioned AOR groove for heavy metal rock n roll. Something warmer and lighter comes with the ballad, Like An Arrow, featuring some nice acoustic guitar. Similar is the song Ocean Drive, where light piano leads into some West coast AOR breeze and groove. I guess you can never take southern California out of an LA boy. Another song of interest is Castaways. Something of melodic metal anthem it begins with a slick piano line, then moves by its melody, groove, and strong vocal arrangement.

Fundamentally, what sells the Radiation Romeos debut album is the terrific songwriting that neatly blends melody and harmony of AOR melodic hard rock with the edge of melodic metal. Hopefully, this will not be a one-off project and more will follow. Easily recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

What sells the Radiation Romeos debut album is the terrific songwriting that neatly blends melody and harmony of AOR melodic hard rock with the edge of melodic metal. Hopefully, this will not be a one-off project and more will follow. Easily recommended.

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