Trial by Fire

Trial by Fire is a moving reunion work born from the long-awaited reunion of the members who built the golden age — Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain. It powerfully sounds Journey’s widely open melody at a mature, grown-up temperature. Ballads’ rich emotional expression and powerful, guitar-centered rock songs connect naturally within a relaxed, pleasant flow. A precious studio work after about ten years. From the moving expanse of the hit ballad “When You Love a Woman” and the power of “Message of Love” to cuts like “If He Should Break Your Heart,” “One More” and “Castles Burning,” every song is engaging. “When You Love a Woman” was Grammy-nominated. While keeping flamboyant AOR technique, the playing has a sure feel particular to a live band. A record that powerfully proved the appeal of the melody they create has not faded in the least even after a long gap. Rather than staying a mere reproduction of the past, it delivers a mature work as a new chapter. Realizing the fans’ long-awaited dream of the golden-age members’ reunion, it is a moving, engaging, fulfilling work.