"Journey - Revelation" REVELATION should bookmark one of the most challenging chapters of Journey’s legendary career. Instead, the new album offers a lasting testament to Journey’s legacy and a striking glimpse of their brilliant future. The first album with lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, REVELATION is Journey running on no less than twelve cylinders, a fine-tuned offering that sounds every bit like a band hitting their stride. Yet Pineda hadn’t even joined the band when the album’s first songs were written in mid-2007, and founding guitarist Neal Schon is quick to admit, it wasn’t always easy to stay optimistic when the band wasn’t sure what the future held. “I was getting frustrated with not having a singer, but still wanted to move forward and knew that we had a big year in front of us. There were times I got frustrated, but I never lost hope,” recalls Schon. “I wanted a guy that could convey the classic songs with a similar texture to his voice, and a tenor voice, but someone who puts his own spin on it. Which is exactly what Arnel does.” Lead singer Pineda still does plenty of head turning of his own throughout the new recordings, as well as the 11 classic hits that the band re-recorded. “Not only can he cover our old material, but he’s such a diversified performer that it leaves everything wide open to where we can go,” marvelled Schon of his new singer. “He’s got tremendous abilities and he’s an outstanding performer, which people will soon find out.” Not to be outdone, every member of Journey shines on REVELATION. Cain’s keyboards elevate “After All These Years” to new emotional heights. “What I Needed” is a power ballad, driven by heavy guitars, reminiscent of the early Journey that so many bands have modelled themselves after. Deen Castronovo drums up a frenzy during the harddriving rock song, “Wildest Dream.” The talented Castronovo also sings most of the high harmonies heard throughout the album, proving that not only are he an amazing drummer, but he’s a dynamic vocalist as well. Schon’s smoking guitars rip through this track with a cool, eastern flavour. Bassist Ross Valory is steady throughout, a stabilizing force through the albums more driven highs and heartfelt lows. REVELATION: The album to look for. The future looks bright once again.