Now, I think I have mentioned my love of all things Sweden when it comes to hard rock and metal quite a few times in previous reviews. This band have consistently put out killer melodic rocks records since their first album in 2001, and this is their sixth studio offering. Led by the super talented singer/guitarist, Erik Martensson, this album carries on from previous efforts. Think big hooks, melodies, sing-a-long chorus’, and a huge guitar sound – this band deliver big time!
I think it’s safe to say that every song on this album could be a single. Opening track, I Don’t Wanna Say I’m Sorry, lays down the template for the whole record – a superb song with a killer riff. Next track, Stand On Your Feet, keeps the melody a rockin’ – another killer track. I think I may be repeating myself quite a bit here, but The Storm is another superb track. It’s all in the melody my friends, and the middle eight and solo is exceptional. A great epic guitar piece starts Blood Enemies, which sounds very majestic, and a monster riff kicks in for the best track so far. Side 1 closes out with Wide Open with a nice chugga riff – the quality of the songs on this side is so high.
The heaviest sounding track, Love Bites, starts off Side 2 with a pounding groove and a fat huge riff. Breakdown has a very southern vibe with the slide guitar intro, and does remind a bit of Jelly Roll by Blue Murder. Live Like I’m Dying is the big power ballad on the album, and the emphasis being on the power and a killer solo. Caught Up In The Rush brings the tempo back up with another great riff, and this could be my favourite on the album – although there isn’t a bad moment on the album. One Life My Life is the penultimate track and is as catchy as a catchy thing in catchy town. The last track is All Died Young, and we go out on a high with double kicks a pounding – this is the fastest track on the album.
Well there we go, a great album by a great band, and comes highly recommended from me.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
