Music at it’s best takes you to another place and works with your emotions. I personally love music that takes me to that happy place, music that moves me. At its best music can lift you, transport you, and help you out of the darkest places. Music also creates a connection to personal memories and your younger self through nostalgia. We bond with people that matter through sharing the music we love. After listening to this album for the last month I realised that not only was this the first time I’d not been the first to review a Babylon A.D. album this millennium, but also that I was loving it so much that getting in there first didn’t matter only enjoying the music did. The other reason for not getting in there first is that I’m in Northern Vietnam at the moment and chilling in the beauty of this country. This album has my constant companion since I’ve been here, things couldn’t be more perfect…
All that aside, I’ve loved Babylon forever. I loved so many bands growing up in the late 80’s, and some have stayed with me over time, few have always been there but Babylon A.D. is one of those bands that in my opinion should have been huge. If you listen to those first two records today, for me they stand up as two of the very best of the era.
When I started The Rockpit, 16 years ago the first people I wanted to talk to were those that made music that I loved, it was all very selfish but it worked because the whole point of the site was to tell people about the music I considered great or underrated. One of the first people that was generous enough to talk to be was Ron Fresci and I’ll always remember that interview. Over the years Derek has become a regular interview, he’s just the coolest guy and like Ron incredibly generous with his time.
When Babylon released their last album ‘Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day’ I said: “Babylon A.D. has delivered a real gem here. It’s a record where everything is on point and built to last. If you think that they were just a minor player back in the day then this is a reminder that they should have been huge. Derek Davis, 35 years after their debut still has one of the best voices in Rock and Roll – I’d put him up there along with John Corabi, Glenn Hughes and Ron Young and he knocks it out of the park here! Guitarists Ron Freschi and John Matthews also shine, the guitar work here is clever, soulful and inventive. When you have a collection of songs as good as this you just need to hear it!”
This is better still. I absolutely love it… Pound for pound this could be Babylon A.D.’s best album so far…
The guitars that drive opener and title track ‘When the World Stops’ transport you back in time to the days when Rock rules the airwaves. It sounds like vintage Babylon A.D. but with the ‘melody’ dial turned right up. There’s a huge anthemic chorus, great driving beat and the twin guitars of Ron Freschi and John Matthews create a rich, layered sound that underscores Derek Davis’s crisp vocals. It’s the perfect opener and one that sees the whole band play their part. And man that refrain is inescapable.
‘Come On Let’s Roll’ has that classic riff, infectious refrain and tells the tale of the fledging band, it’s nostalgia doubled down and so easy on the ear. Classic Babylon and even some cowbell for good measure! Davis’s vocal delivery is confident and engaging, drawing the listener in, and there’s a nice expanded feel. ‘ Don’t Ask Questions’ that follows does what the guys do so well especially these days – taking a step back and slowing the pace to smolder and burn slow. It’s classic Derek Davis, introspective, measured, beautifully structured and wonderful melodic. The guitars nicely interweave and add depth. This one is definitely a slow burn with an understated hook that just grows with each play.
‘Love Is Cruel’ is the sort of timeless composition it would stand out anywhere. A classic rock ballad that is wonderful realised, lovingly orchestrated with a solo that is simply sublime. It’s breathtaking in the way that Aerosmith’s early ballads were and Davis’ voice drives it beautifully along. I love it, it’s a song that would be a standout on any Rock record of the last 40ears. And that piano that overtakes it all at the end is a wonderful touch and a song in itself.
Babylon always does tracklisting so well and ‘Toxic Baby’ that follows, reminds you that these guys are all Rock to the core. Sat atop a great riff the vocals rip in and ride the momentum. This is vintage Babylon A.D. and just as good as it was back in the day. It’s another standout for me and one that sees the rhythm section fuel a raw classic, made even better by the twin guitars that trade solos, adding layers of complexity.
There’s a downcast yet defiant tone to ‘I Don’t Believe in You’ that Davis’ alchemy manages to create so well, ramping the emotion to produce a powerful and moody number that is full of dynamics and wringing with feeling, shot through with some wonderful guitar. The faux-live ‘Power of Music’ by contrast brings back the goodtime feel of rock with a singalong chorus that references Jimi Hendrix and Motown and has the sort of beat you’d have to be dead to fail to move to. The message is one that I hope we all share and it’s another instant classic and huge fun.
‘Torn’ might just be the most experimental track here, a little funky, a little progressive, almost danceable, it rocks before sliding into a melodic refrain that just works so well. I love the solo that then cuts in, but this is Davis’ song with his “I’m torn all to pieces crushed by love” mantra. A winner! Hot on the heels of that one ‘The Damage Is Done’ strips it all back to the bare bones with a vocal that explores regret and resolution. I’ve always loved Babylon’s traditional Rock ballads and this is simply one of their very best. This is turning out to be another incredible record.
Penultimate track ‘Oh Suki’ lifts the mood with a fun Aerosmith-like stutter, it’s a Bluesy ramble that is both cool and laid back yet with a hook to draw you right in; and the final word rests with ‘Sadness Madness’ which takes things down again to deliver a ballad that ma just be the best song here. There’s a real light Allmans feel in the opening before Derek pulls you into Bablon A.D. circa 1989 and those nights with your significant other under those bright, bright stars. I love it, love those harmonies, love those twin guitars. There’s guys know how to close an album like no one else.
If you loved their last outing ‘Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day’ then ‘When the World Stops’ is a testament to Babylon A.D.’s revitalization and enduring talent some 35 ears after their debut. The album’s craftsmanship, musicianship, and depth make it unstoppable. I love the twin guitars, the rhythm section, and Davis’s tmeless vocals create which all go together to create an album that’s damn near impossible to stop playing! like it’s predecessor this new album reflects a mature take on the band’s past sound, but it’s more than that. Here in 2025 Babylon A.D. has managed that near impossible act of balancing that hard rock essence, while exploring new musical landscapes. And all without missing a beat. There’s still that raw rebellious spirit but here there’s sophistication and maturity.
Babyon A.D. remains one of the finest bands still producing hard-rocking music from the late ’80s/early ’90s era. Here they prove that age might stop the majority of bands of a certain vintage, but there’s no sign of slowing up here and no drop in quality either. Easily one of best albums you’ll hear this year.
I hope to catch up with Derek, Ron and the guys when I get back from Vietnam and they return from what I can only assume with be a wild and wonderful U.K. Tour. Check back later for the interviews…
9 /10
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