The boys are back with their third album. The boys, of course, are Paul Laine, Bruno Ravel and Rob Marcello or more properly known as The Defiants. The band was brought together back in 2016 thanks to Frontiers Records. I was worried this was going to be a one and done, but thankfully that wasn’t the case.

I spoke with Paul Laine a couple years ago and I knew he was working on this album. And about 6 months later, when I was exchanging emails with him, he was coming up on his deadline to submit the album to Frontiers. He seemed a little stressed, but in a good way. This was around January 2022. I am not sure what happened, but the album didn’t see the light of day for another 18 months. I hope to talk with him again soon and I will make sure to see what was going on. Regardless, as of June 7, 2023, we have the new Defiants album and I couldn’t be happier.

The guys had worked together before in a band called Danger Danger, you remember them from the late 80’s and 90’s. The Defiants were made to recapture that 80’s rock magic and capture it they did. I will try not to be biased as I am a huge Paul Laine fan and I pretty much love everything he does and there is a reason for that…he is one of the best vocalists in the business and his voice gets stronger as he ages. He does not disappoint here either. In fact no one does. This is my album of the Summer and in fact, could wind up as album of the Year. Yes, I said it! And here’s why…

The album opens with a scorcher in “Hey Life” which is a massive anthemic rocker. And listen to that opening guitar riff…does it not sound like “Rise” by Extreme??? Which is wild as both albums came out on the same day. Paul’s vocals soar as he tells life to get out of his way. The drums are pounding, the guitars are a rip-roaring shredfest and the song makes a massive opening statement.

And not to be outdone, “Go Big Or Go Home” cranks it up another notch. A massive sounding track with a cocky attitude and a fist pumping rock energy. The boys are living up to the song title on this one. They brought their “A” game and mean business.

Next, you might as well jump in the car, put the top down and turn it up to 11 as “19 Summertime” makes this album my Summer go-to song (as well as the whole album). With a crisp Summer vibe, it takes me back to the 80’s in a big way. It has those Def Leppard vocals and they will hook you right in. The album just keeps getting better.

The keyboards are in full effect as “What Are You Waiting For” is pure Bon Jovi in every sense of the word. The big difference is Paul’s vocals are even better than Bon Jovi in his heyday. Another upbeat, catchy and contagious track. There is an urgency to it, but the vibe is electric and exciting. This album would of torn up the charts back in the day.

The first ballad is up next with “Miracle”. And yes, I’ll say it, it is a cross between Def Leppard and Bon Jovi…those comparisons keep coming up and they aren’t wrong. Did I mention these albums by The Defiants are like a tribute to that time in music…at least in my eyes (and ears). There is one thing Laine does well and that is a ballad (and who am I kidding, there is a lot of things he does well). And is as good as this is, there is a ballad that comes later that is even better.

Okay, now it is time to get back to the rockers and “Against the Grain” might be the baddest of the bunch. It has a that Bon Jovi opening song vibe to it (sorry, I can’t help with the comparisons). It builds out of the gate and then explodes and rocks out for over 5 minutes. A beast of a track with a massive chorus, a lot of background vocals that only add to its power. Crank it baby!!

And so far this album is just so good!! Speaking of that, the next track is called “So Good” and it is that and then some. This album has more hits than Mike Tyson. They just keep coming one punch after another. If you think Paul Laine’s vocals are awesome, he is only outdone by the guitar solo that I am assuming was Rob and it is something to be heard as are all the guitars on this one. I love the swagger all over this one.

Things slow down a little with “Love Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”, but it isn’t a ballad as its still a rocker, just not as rocking as the rest of the album. This is more AOR in style and Paul’s vocals are really beyond compare with this one as they soar to new heights. The keyboards on this one add a little flair and there is more amazing guitar work as well. I would this more like a Journey rocker.

And the next song is more like a Journey ballad as “Another Time, Another Place” might be the best ballad by any band in decades. Yes, it is that good to me. Steve Perry look out. I get lost in the chorus as Paul’s vocals will take over your ears and surround you in comfort and a magical bliss. Pure perfection again.

“The Night to Remember” cranks it back up and I will admit this one takes me back to early Danger Danger (no surprise there). It has that energy those first couple albums had (pre-Paul) with the speedy tempo and big choruses. It is easy to see why Paul became their singer as he handles that type of material so well. Another song that feels nostalgic in every aspect of the song. And there is more rip-roaring guitar work..man, these guys slayed this album with the guitars.

And sadly, we are to the last track on and album I don’t want to end. The final track is “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now” and that is what this whole album feels like…like these guys are unstoppable and invincible. More melodic rock greatness and as they started with a rocker, they end with one too which is only fitting. This song is a wink and a nod that The Defiants are the new kings of this genre!

There is a confidence on this album, maybe even cockiness as the boys know they were on to something with this one. The songs are a complete throwback to a time when rock was still king. And what is even better is that this album to me screams Summertime. It is fun, energized and needs to be turned up loud while driving down the road. It has that get in the car and drive feel to it and I guess that is where the name comes from and the artwork. Paul Laine’s vocals keep getting better and Bruno Ravel and Rob Marcello’s musicality on this one are pure perfection. The production is top-notch, the songs are screaming to be heard and I can’t say enough good things about it. My Overall Score is a 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars and this might be favorite of the three!! And my album of the year!! We will see…