Thank you. There's no better way to begin this review than by thanking these two masters of guitar and rock.
Richie Kotzen and Adrian Smith reunite on Black Light/White Noise (2025) to deliver an incredible album from two great musicians, two great composers, two great representatives and references of the best in world heavy rock.
Adrian Smith, for his history, his sophistication, his feeling , and his melodies (in addition to proving himself excellent on vocals), and Richie Kotzen, who, in turn, shows that besides playing very well, he is a great vocalist and an excellent composer. Beyond a celebration of this encounter, this artistic collaboration, and this friendship, the styles of the two complement each other very well. Black Light/White Noise also seems to be a meeting of Smith's English rock with Kotzen's hard rock and American influences.
Obviously, we can't forget that the duo is accompanied by a Brazilian "rhythm section" formed by the excellent bassist Julia Lage and the superb drummer Bruno Valverde . The album is truly a meeting of bluesy groove and Chris Cornell-esque vocal timbre with Smith's British class and finesse. Just listening to the CD (released by the Wikimetal and available at the Wikimetal Store ), you can tell that the two are having fun with this side project that feels more like a band that's been together for decades. Their experience and compatibility are impressive. It feels like we're listening to an album produced by two great friends who take immense pleasure in working together.
The album features several high points. “Muddy Waters” opens the record with its killer riffs and syncopation. Kotzen's voice comes in strong right away, and Adrian doesn't disappoint; his timbre is unique too. “White Noise” delivers great riffs, Kotzen's raspy vocals accompanied by backing vocals , impressive solos from both, and great choruses. “Black Light,” for me, is one of the best and a great summary of what this album is all about. Another great single.
“Darkside” has an excellent folk/rock feel and a beautiful chorus. The ballad “Life Unchained” features magnificent guitar tones from Smith. “Blindsided” has a kind of 80s vibe until the entrance of a very heavy riff and Richie's impeccable vocals. “Wraith” starts with a super groovy riff, “Heavy Weather” brings the blues vibe and the wah-wah appears to give it a special atmosphere. “Outlaw” is a gift for fans of AOR and hard rock produced in the 80s, and “Beyond the Pale” closes the album magnificently, an epic ballad that leaves you wanting to listen to it all again.
Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen are absolutely essential artists, even more so today. Black Light/White Noise is an organic album, made by humans, excellent musicians, without AI, without computers, good music, purebred rock, black belt, for real, as it should be. An example for new generations of musicians, a true lesson.
After two albums and an EP, it's extremely clear that these two great musicians should continue collaborating. If you like rock and want to listen to a modern rock album, but at the same time influenced by the best bands of the 70s and 80s, with two of the best guitarists of today, this album is for you. If you are a guitarist, then this album is a must-have. In it, the duo shows the perfect balance between musicality and virtuosity, USA and UK, Smith and Kotzen, in their essence, without exaggeration, just right, for musicians and non-musicians alike. The best of hard rock played by those who understand the subject very well. A delightful album for the ears and super fun to listen to.
Black Light/White Noise was released on April 4th and for me it's already one of the best rock albums of the year. A perfect example of what great musicians can give us when they step out of their comfort zones to create something they've truly dedicated themselves to, simply for the pleasure of making the highest quality music. Thank you again Adrian, Richie, Julia and Bruno.
READ ALSO: Interview: Richie Kotzen talks about the new Smith/Kotzen album and his love for Brazil
