Before we start with the tunes – a quick mention on the band’s name. I mean, a quick huddle down the pub over a pint, and putting a H where the B is would have made the name a tad more mysterious don’t you think?
Anyhoo, that doesn’t detract away from what is a really great hard rockin’ melodic record. The eighties never went out of style in Finland apparently, and band’s like this are cranking out great records. Every song feels like an anthem with huge monster melodies and hooks.
Thunder From The North is a superb opener with a great riff and pounds along. Long Ways, Long Lies has the big anthem style groove. T.O.T.C is a sleazy beast of a tune with killer hook and groove – it feels like a speeded up Monkey Business. Fallen Youth has a Dokken style chugga riff and another huge hook and chorus. Bad Bad Bad has a modern pop feel to the whole thing – but in a good way. Side 1 closes with the up-tempo beat of What Is Dead Never Dies.
A monster sounding riff and groove announce the arrival of Side 2 opener, Unholy Night. This track sounds huge and the production is epic. Heart Of A Warrior starts with another killer sounding riff – the chorus and hook remind me of so many 80’s bands – I can’t pin it down. You Better Run follows and it’s more of the same, big riff, big hook, and killer chorus. If Only I Could is the power ballad I’ve been dreading, but these guys make it tolerable with a great solo and massive melodies. Something To Die For closes out the album with a huge riff and groove with a Bon Jovi style chorus.
This is the band’s third album, and I guess you are like me and had never heard of them. Great record!
9/10 from The Grooveman.
