Blood Red Sun. A Nation Of Saviors. (2007)

In these days of rock mediocrity and shameless retro pose to discover a group that matters is nearly impossible, but upon listening to the debut album of New York City's Blood Red Sun I've found just that. Unlike most modern albums of it's genre stuffed with filler and the AOR friendly single, A Nation Of Saviors is a complete album possessing relentless guitars soaring over a driven rhythm section with purpose and a passionate vocal whose lyrics provoke thought and a call to action.

The album begins like footsteps echoing through the streets of a broken society, walking side by side with images one could find in a Luis Bunuel dream. As the opening track creeps forward in its mysterious aural attack, the listener may at first ponder the time and place of lead singer Jason Nadeau's apocalyptic declaration of a state where media control bring forth false idols and willing conformity are the norm.

Could the haunting lyric be an echo coming from the back streets of early twentieth century Lintz and the dawn of 1930's fascism? As the listener is taken along the albums journey beginning with 'It Gets You Nowhere' we come to realize that the images are not one of a cinematic dream but newspaper photographs which have all come alive as it becomes painfully clear that the time and place is the here and now.

Out of the darkness 'Pray For Rain' dawns as an undaunted, desperate plea to break the spell of the unwitting and apathetic sleepwalking with its upbeat fair warning of division, disinformation and violence. No longer do we find Nadeau in whispered prayer but bringing a voice to break the vicious circle of stagnation and compromise. 'All At Once' bursts out with bright guitars as the song examines the broken promises of pop falsehood bringing a new found hunger which seeks to escape its void and pitfalls.

Pressing on, the group finds itself at the ghostly crossroads of 'Here You Are' as B.R.S. boldly forge ahead taking the listener to uplifting heights and visiting the shallow valley of rock n roll's bitter sweet death or glory quest. 'Point Of View' may seem to be all knowing in what it seeks yet asks for direction as the paradox unfolds leading us into the cross hairs of 'Enemy' warning of a society laced with coercion who's citizens unwittingly have their sights set on themselves.

What's next brings the unrest and unrelenting drive of 'Love Letter' where the worthless and the righteous are all snap shots of a spiritually bankrupt cycle that seems almost inescapable, until 'Easier' almost maps out an escape leaving no alternatives left but to rise above the fray and break away. It's maddening mantra "condemn reform deny redeem" is only part of the reflection of a society which pits B.R.S. against a wall, also forcing an introspective view of themselves.

Quietly enters 'Deliver Us' almost in prayer asking for more than redemption and guidance but knowledge to transcend ones duality bringing the realization of individuality. The battle now becomes personal going beyond the dichotomy of elected leaders and self appointed dictators for the true revolution starts with ones self hence 'A Nation Of Saviors'. The album closes with 'Icarus' floating high above the clouds, almost dreaming yet quite aware and unresolved.

A Nation Of Saviors is above all else a battle call to the individual to not only know their rights but to use them. Blood Red Sun uses their music as a weapon to strike both the heart and mind of its listener, uncompromising, intelligent and thoughtful. There is no doubt that B.R.S. are a group that matters.

Johnny Carco
1.13.08