From the beautiful and calm Somerset in the UK comes a band rooted in 80's rock, and with a great sense of humour. That is all I knew about RIZEN that is now releasing their first album Ex Cinere (From The Ashes) independently. The sense of humour from this band comes in the title of the first track “Chicken Little”. I was expecting a spoof song just like the title suggests ,but I was pleasantly surprised with a good Hard Rock with nice arrangements and song structure. The band also has great energy as you can hear in the following track “Comatose”. Their sound reminds you of the hair Metal from California (without the hair) and that colourful beach vibe.

Bands like RATT, MOTLEY CRUE and POISON come to mind. The good drummer Mikey Cakebread (blame his parents) starts the syncopated “Dreamchaser” that has a Punk vibe in the chorus. The band has 3 veterans and 2 rookies making a good mix of influences. Mr Cakebread and competent bass player Josh Taylor are the youngsters taking care of the band foundations. The energy keeps up with “Freeway” that depicts a perfect road trip in the UK with the worst weather possible and they still make it fun. RIZEN also has a solid duo of guitar players in Chris (Cod) Morley and Brian Hillson that complement each other perfectly and present us with some tasty licks and solos like in semi-romantic “Hollow”. You can classify this one as a ballad but it is a good one and this is rare.

With a start that kind of reminds me of Detroit Rock City, we reach “Lil’ Maggie” that is everything but. With a much more bluesy approach, the band shows a varied music repertoire making every track on this album sound unique. The creative riffs keep coming like in the good “Psycho” that has a funny scream in the background as part of the chorus. Do not expect serious and moody songs with deep lyrics in this album. The lyrics are there for you to easily memorize them and sing along with the good singer Adrian Miles. I am trying to get a hold of his good voice and reach, but no immediate singer comes to mind. I can hear a little of Glen Hughes for sure in the track “Shadows” that for me is a highlight of the album. Great riff and the vocal melody is perfect with a great chorus.

We end our journey keeping the energy up with the track “Sirens”. I loved all the chorus on this album. Good songs with good melodies and musicianship and a band that seems to be having their best time doing it. What else could you ask for? Cool release.