Triumphant Return

Description

Triumphant Return is the third album by the American metal band Whitecross was released on Pure Metal Records in 1989, a division of Refuge Music Group. The album was produced by Joey Powers and band member Rex Carroll.

Rex of Ratt. Ratt or Rex. Rex and Ratt. Ratt, Rex and Ratt.

See WhiteCross play. Doesn’t Rex play well? See Scott sing. Isn’t that Steven Pearcy of well . . . Ratt?

Hard rock conversationalists usually live in the past, only remembering a group’s first review and revel at the opportunity to compare and contrast a band’s ego and id.

For those interested, WhiteCross’ newest offering, ‘Triumphant Return’, surpasses both of their earlier full-length releases with an accent on attitude, rather than presumption. In the past this foursome has been forced to rely heavily on Rex Carroll’s axe appeal and Scott Wenzel’s signature (well, sort of) vocal niche. But a lot has happened since last year’s explosive ‘Hammer and Nail‘. Mark Hedl and Jon Sproule are no longer in the band that sounded so good on albums, then received unfavorable reviews in concert. Even though bassist Rick Cua and session drummer Frank Liva stood in for newcomers Michael Elliot (former drummer for Scarlet Red) and Rick Armstrong in the studio, WhiteCross can now virtually duplicate their vinyl groove in concert with an added sense of confidence.

‘Triumphant Return’ proves that the Ratt is dead, as WhiteCross finally sounds like WhiteCross through more textured instrumentation and a tighter lyrical approach. Carroll’s freedom to prowl uncharted riffs runs rampant throughout the project. Take for example his trademark solo cut, «Flashpoint», which blends classical suites with modem raging chords. In addition, Whitesnake fans will enjoy his a cappella accentuations on the track «Down», a piece that creates a lyrical role reversal to last album’s «No Way I’m Going Down».

For the most part, this album strolls aggressively at a 4/4 pace with added surprises such as keyboard parts and background vocals that prove timely. Although Carroll’s days with his Atlantic Records’ act Fierce Heart are long gone, he appears to have retrieved some of that big label emotion and spotlight guitarmanship for ‘Triumphant Return’.

Better production and a bigger drum sound make this release sound heavier than previous efforts, even though the group hasn’t actually changed their up front style. Wenzel’s vocals have been dropped back in the mix just a tad, while Carroll’s licks and Liva’s sticks are elevated for a more believable “real world” sound. Wenzel and Carroll also team up for the chart bound ballad «Simple Man» which will remind you of those old Boston softies that melted your soul. “There’s a house on the corner with a light I can see/ and standing in the door is the only girl for me/ the reason that she loves me/ and we walk hand in hand/ is because I’m a Christian/ and we both know where we stand.”

When it comes to straight ahead lyrics, flashy guitar cameos and formula rock vignettes, WhiteCross is the place to land with ‘Triumphant Return’. [Kevin Allison, Harvest Rock Syndicate, No. 4, 1989 (Volume 4)]

[Doug Van Pelt, CCM, December 1989]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/triumphant-return/724425407)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Attention Please” – 3:55
A2. “Red Light” – 4:32
A3. “Straight Thru The Heart” – 3:57
A4. “Down” – 4:01
A5. “Behold” – 4:35

Side Two
B1. “Shakedown” – 4:16
B2. “Flashpoint” – 1:30
B3. “Simple Man” – 4:21
B4. “Over The Top” – 4:18
B5. “Heaven’s Calling Tonight” – 4:16

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Pure Metal Records. Re-issued on CD by StarSong Records in 1991.

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