Red Dragon Cartel • Self Titled • Frontiers Records • Producers: Jake E. Lee/Ronnie Mancuso • Score: 9/10
Jake E. Lee co-wrote two of Ozzy Osbourne’s finest solo albums: Bark At The Moon and Ultimate Sin. He brought a blues-based melodicism along with the best stage moves in the business. Lee’s return with Red Dragon Cartel is full of patented guitar flourishes and inspired songwriting. Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander appears on the soaring “Feeder,” while former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno crushes on “Wasted.” Lee is tip-top amid dense production. Hooks abound as Sass Jordan wails superbly on “Redeem Me,” and Maria Brink goes ballistic on “Big Mouth.” Red Dragon Cartel is an infectious modern metal record that proclaims that Jake E. Lee is back. – Oscar Jordan
