In 1988 melodic rockers House of Lords established themselves immediately at the top of the rock world with their classic self-titled debut album. The line-up - amongst them former Angel keyboard wizard Gregg Giuffria and fabulous skin beater Ken Mary - was fantastic, but two albums later it was all over and out when the music scene changed radically and grunge entered the world. After a long hiatus the band reformed in 2004 but failed to impress with the misfire “The Power & The Myth”. However, lead singer James Christian gathered a new line-up around him and has released one great album after another since then. Last year’s release “Big Money” was no different and a new tour was scheduled soon.

Unfortunately Christian was not fully recovered from his prostate cancer operation and the tour was postponed to the beginning of this year. With Genk, this time also a Belgian date was listed although it still meant a two-hour-plus ride. Nothing in comparison with the 15-hour drive House of Lords had to make, as this show was scheduled in between two Italian gigs. Still, Christian and his band mates made a fresh impression and immediately delivered the goods with opener ‘Sahara’ followed by ‘I Don’t Wanna Wait All Night’. The long ride certainly didn’t affect their performance which was tight and energetic, but a bit too loud for this tiny community center. Luckily the sound was well balanced so every instrument could be clearly heard. As usual the keyboards were on tape but formed an essential part of their sound. James Christian had lost some weight and his voice was in top shape, hitting every note, high and low. Bassist Chris McCarvill and drummer B.J. Zampa formed a solid rhythm section, while guitarist Jimi Bell fired away one great riff after another. Yet speeding through scales during every solo was impressive at first, but boring after the second time around. More melody and emotion during these moments certainly would improve these excellent songs. But apart from this, the show was entertaining with a set list that mixed the best of old (‘These Are The Times’, ‘I Wanna Be Loved’, ‘Pleasure Palace’ and the super ballad ‘Love Don’t Lie’) and new tunes (‘Big Money’, ‘One Man Down’ and ‘Blood’). Ten minutes after encore ‘Slip of the Tongue’ every band member was chatting with the fans, taking photos and signing stuff. A kind gesture that earned them a great deal of respect after what already was an excellent show.