House of Lords is a rock band that emerged in the late 1980s, known for their melodic hard rock sound. The band was formed by former Angel keyboardist Gregg Giuffria, who sought to create a supergroup that combined the talents of various accomplished musicians. The original lineup included lead vocalist James Christian, guitarist Lanny Cordola, bassist Chuck Wright, and drummer Ken Mary.
The band’s self-titled debut album, “House of Lords,” was released in 1988 under the Simmons Records label, which was owned by KISS bassist Gene Simmons. The album was well-received and showcased the band’s powerful blend of hard rock and melodic elements, drawing comparisons to bands like Whitesnake and Journey. The single “I Wanna Be Loved” gained significant airplay and helped establish their presence in the rock music scene.
In 1990, House of Lords released their second album, “Sahara,” which continued to build on their initial success. The album featured a slightly heavier sound and included contributions from various guest musicians, such as Doug Aldrich and Rick Nielsen. Despite its positive reception, internal changes began to affect the band, leading to the departure of guitarist Lanny Cordola.
Their third album, “Demons Down,” was released in 1992. This album faced challenges due to the changing musical landscape of the early 1990s, as grunge and alternative rock began to dominate the charts. However, it still managed to capture the essence of their earlier work and maintained a loyal fan base.
Following “Demons Down,” House of Lords underwent several lineup changes and eventually went on hiatus. It wasn’t until 2004 that the band reformed with James Christian at the helm, alongside new members. This marked the beginning of a new era for the band, as they released “The Power and the Myth” in 2004, which showcased a more modern sound while retaining their signature melodic rock style.
Since then, House of Lords has continued to release new music and tour, maintaining a dedicated fan base. Albums like “World Upside Down” (2006) and “Saint of the Lost Souls” (2017) have demonstrated their ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to their roots. The band’s history reflects the challenges and triumphs of navigating the ever-changing music industry, and they remain a respected name in the realm of melodic hard rock.
