This is the tenth album from these Swedish melodic rockers who have consistently put out high quality rockin’ records since 2001. If you look back over their recent albums the sound has shifted somewhat to a more Foo Fighters groove while still holding on to the big hooks and melody. An obvious attempt to rake in a younger audience perhaps? They even move to a Celtic sound on Anthem where memories of Gary Moore and Thin Lizzy come rushing into my head.
However, it’s the big riffing catchy chorus tunes that I really love from the band and I’m pleased to say they are here but buried later in the record. The last seven songs starting with Hearts Collide will have you singing along like a goon. I don’t know any other modern band that consistently comes up with so many hook laden songs. Frankly, Erik Martensson is a genius and doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
Give this album time and you will see the band have grown into so much more. Favourite track? Well, it’s a real tough one as there are some bangers here for sure but I Don’t Get It and So Long Farewell Goodbye are my joint choices. I Don’t Get It is a killer power pop blast with a HUGE hook and chorus. So Long starts with that trademark crunch riffing that they do so well and again the sing along hook and chorus is soooo good. There are no ballads on this album!🎉
Great band and great album.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
