Powerhouse vocalist James Durbin has a compelling new album, Screaming Steel, due out February 16, 2024 via Frontiers Music Srl under the Durbin banner.
Durbin‘s vocal dexterity has earned accolades from legends in metal and rock, such as Steven Tyler, Sammy Hagar and Rob Halford. Additionally, he has collaborated with the likes of legends such as Stevie Wonder, Don Was, Sheryl Crow, and Tom Jones, among others.
He continues to grow as an artist, pushing the limits of heavy metal while staying true to its roots.
We all remember James Durbin from his appearance on Season 10 of American Idol, where he championed hard rock and heavy metal. On the finale, he shared the stage with Judas Priest for unforgettable renditions of “Livin’ After Midnight” and “Breaking The Law”. I remember being awed by his interpretation of “Uprising” by Muse. I knew his star would shine brighter and longer than just one season on a reality television show.
Durbin has teased the new album with two blistering singles sure to draw in heavy metal aficionados, the title song and “Hallows”. “Screaming Steel” lays the groundwork for what’s to be expected on the ten track album.
“Hallows” is an ode to his love of the Harry Potter series. Durbin said it’s a ‘montage’ of sorts, in that he could imagine the song playing over scenes from all eight films. Think of it as a poetic short form retelling of the story in his own words with a lot of punch.
Just wait until you hear the entire album! It’s difficult to select a favorite, but “Where They Stand”, “Power Of The Reaper”, and “The Worshipper” are exceptional.
The band is composed of James Durbin (vocals), Aldo Lonobile (guitars), Luca Birotto (guitars), Mike Roberts (bass), and Marco Sacchetto (drums). Lonobile handled producing, mixing, and mastering as well.
Screaming Steel is due out February 16, 2024 via Frontiers Music Srl. If you happen to be in the Santa Cruz, CA area on Screaming Steel’s release date, Durbin will be at Streetlight Records for a free in-store performance and signing copies of the new album.
Fans of Judas Priest, early Dio, and ’80s Black Sabbath will eat this up. The aforementioned artists would certainly be pleased this talented artist is carrying the torch and letting metal live on for generations to come!
Review by I’m Music Magazine Writer Sherry Thomas
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