WHITE LION
Return of the Pride
Airline Records 2008
www.trampswhitelion.com

Genre
Hard rock / 80s metal / hair metal

The Good
White Lion roar back onto the scene with the 8 minute history lesson "Sangre De Cristo." I know, that sounds like a big yawner, but it's not. The track starts off tame and subdued, but soon the energy is let loose in the form of killer guitar riffs, driving drum beats, and melodic vocals. "Dream" is about never letting anyone tell you that you can't do something. The chorus is emotionally powerful and inspiring. "I Will" delves into a father's bond with his son. It's a borderline ballad, with plenty of punch.

If you didn't learn enough history with the album's opener, then White Lion tears off another page for you on "Battle of Little Big Horn." The track has an epic movie-like feel to it, so it's not all learning. The piano-heavy ballad "Never Let You Go" is sure to jerk and emotion or two out of you. "Gonna Do It My Way" is a guitar-laden rocker similar to White Lion's hey-day. "Let Me Be" also resurrects the classic White Lion sound. The live version of "Wait" comes complete with a new, and better, introduction.

The Bad
Sound quality and production doesn't exactly live up to their classic material, but you really can't fault the band that much. The live version of "When the Children Cry" is a lot slower and down-tuned than the original. It just doesn't have the same appeal as the original. And yes, Mike Tramp can't belt it out anymore, so things are tuned-down and less vocally challenging.

The Verdict
Return of the Pride can't really hold a candle to White Lion's classic material, but it's still quite enjoyable. Tramp has certainly matured in his songwriting, which shifts the band in a more contemporary direction. There are still a few good rockers though.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne