Last In Line was formed in 2011, when Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain, and Vivian Campbell, teamed up with esteemed vocalist Andrew Freeman. The debut album “Heavy Crown” was released in February 2016, landing at #1 on the Billboard Heat-Seekers Chart. Initially, the release had been preceded by tragedy when bassist Jimmy Bain unexpectedly passed away at the age of 68 on January 23, 2016. Last In Line, honoring what they knew would be Bain’s wish to keep the band moving, brought in renowned bassist Phil Soussan (ex-Ozzy Osbourne) and committed to sustained touring in support of the album. In late 2017, the band gathered in L.A. to start the recording of the second album, which was produced by the band members and Jeff Pilson who also produced the debut album. Having really gelled as a band while touring in support of the debut album, the songwriting came readily to the members. “The musical style of ‘II’ is different from ‘Heavy Crown’, but it wasn’t something that we planned to do,” explains Vivian Campbell. “Phil is a more intricate player than Jimmy was and that, together with the natural growth and development of the band led us to the songs on the album.
Drummer Vinny Appice, on the sound of the new record and song writing process, says “I always sound like me. Viv and I have been playing together for years and have the same feel and pulse and attitude. Now with Phil on bass, he allows a more melodic approach on the bass parts making the songs even more interesting. First, we have fun writing together. We get in a room and jam on riffs and chords until we hit on something good, then continue to build it into a song. Andy puts his magic on it and it all works out very well.”
Phil Soussan says about how it was joining Last In Line and the development of the songs, “It was refreshing to be able to write songs in such an organic fashion – by jamming and developing ideas as a group, without bringing in preconceived songs – something I haven’t done for ages. The result was a true collaboration, a concept that is so rare these days!
Vinny has a unique style of drumming that, beyond keeping beats, inspires riffs and arrangements and Vivian has a way of playing that has a conviction to every note. He is able to turn every riff into a signature. With ‘II’ I would like to think that we have stretched out from ‘Heavy Crown’ to test some uncharted waters…. the evolution of Last in Line!”