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VARIOUS ARTISTS
Magic Power: All Star Tribute To Triumph
Round Hill Records
https://roundhillrecords.com
https://www.triumphmusic.com

Sometime back in the late '90s, there was a batch of "all-star" tribute albums produced and released by Deadline Music (Cleopatra Records). Those releases featured members of the bands I grew up listening to in the '80s. Some of the releases were solid, others not so much. Back then we had to pay for our music, so it was extra infuriating when you bought something you didn't like.

The idea behind Magic Power: All-Star Tribute To Triumph instantly reminded me of those other "all-star" compilations I took a chance on, but with a higher profile of musicians being involved. One question lingered with me though, will it be hit or will it be a miss?

To find out more about the making of this release, check out my interview with TRIUMPH drummer Gil Moore on KNAC.COM HERE.

The album kicks off with a back-to-back performance by fellow Canadian Sebastian Bach (ex-SKID ROW). While I believe the 90 second intro track "24 Hours a Day" could have been omitted, it does act as a nice lead into "Rock & Roll Machine". Bach has impressed me with his vocals a lot in recent years, with a stronger focus on melody (and not screaming). His performance here is top-notch.

I thought Joey Belladonna of ANTHRAX was an interesting addition to this release, but he too knocks it out of the park with his rendition of "Magic Power". It makes sense to me now that Belladonna has a JOURNEY tribute band on the side, as he clearly can shift from intense Thrash Metal to Melodic Rock on the fly.

Mickey Thomas is 75 years old, and has not changed one bit vocally since the height of his time with JEFFERSON STARSHIP. His version of "Spellbound" is heavy on pulsing keyboards and vocal energy. Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER) was another surprise participant. Usually Dee is a bit harder and edgier, but he's done some Broadway, so I guess it's not that surprising. Snider plays to the original of "Lay It On The Line", rather than twisting it.

"Somebody's Out There" is hands down my favorite TRIUMPH song, so you can imagine that I'd be extra critical listening to this one. Producer Mike Clink picked the perfect vocalist for this one, Lawrence Gowan of STYX. Gowan's vocal delivery is on par with Rik Emmett's in the original. Deen Castronovo (JOURNEY), for those that don't know, is just as impressive as a vocalist as he is a drummer. His take on "Never Surrender" honors TRIUMPH, but could also pass for a lost JOURNEY track.

Jeff Keith (TESLA) sounds right at home with his version of "Hold On". His trademark rasp makes a few appearances along the way. When was the last time you saw Jason Scheff's (ex-CHICAGO) name on a tribute album? His soulful vocals are perfect for the power ballad "Just One Night".

I can't say that "I Live For The Weekend" was high on my list of favorite TRIUMPH songs, but Dorothy Martin (DOROTHY) is high on my list for favorite Rock vocalists. Martin trades vocal barbs with Tyler Connolly (THEORY OF A DEADMAN) here. The combination of Dorothy and Tyler's bluesy tones were made for each other. But wait, they're not the only ones dueting here. SLASH & NITA STRAUSS not only lay down bouncing Blues Rock riffage, but they also trade fiery guitar licks.

Nancy Wilson (HEART) takes a different approach to "Fight The Good Fight". The groove is slowed down, the distortion is pulled back, and the vocal angst has been replaced by soft singer-songwriter vocal stylings. At the album's conclusion, "Fight The Good Fight" returns with a more traditional version, featuring vocal journeyman Dino Jelusic. Jack Blades of NIGHT RANGER stays true to the original version of "Follow Your Heart", with little flourishes here and there.

The heir to TRIUMPH, Phil X (PHIL X & THE DRILLS), delivers an impressive version of "Allied Forces", proving that he's more than just a guitar player in that band you know. The group that took the most liberties with their TRIUMPH cover is ENVY OF NONE. Backed by Alex Lifeson (RUSH) and Andy Curran (CONEY HATCH), and fronted by vocalist Mariah Wynne, they take "Blinding Light Show" in a unique Prog Rock direction, with impressive results.

I've listened to a lot of "all-star" tribute albums over the years, probably more than the average person. I can honestly say that Magic Power: All-Star Tribute to Triumph is by far the best I've ever heard. The star power involved in this release, paired with the timeless catalog of songs by Canadian Rock legends TRIUMPH is sure to have you playing this one more than just a few times.

4.8 Out Of 5.0