Swedish band’s debut album and what a strong debut it is. It’s an album stepped in the classic sounds of 70’s acts like Black Sabbath and Rainbow, especially Sabbath in the driving bottom lines that underpin each song. ‘Won’t Tell You Anyway’ is a real Sabbath monster, right down to the heavy riffs and spacey type mid-section. Bjorn Asking has a powerful set of vocals just listen to opener ‘I am, I Do’ that fairly crackles along. Clear production throughout and the bass/drums are nicely pushed up in the mix. Only the slower ‘Nobody Listens To The Old’ doesn’t do it for me bar the guitar solo, just lacking something I can’t quite put my finger on! Heads down, no nonsense boogie on ‘Get Ready’.

Pain & Passion are proud of their influences but still create their own style and the vocalist Bjorn Asking is star of the show. Credit to Escape as this release is heavier than their normal output. Hopefully this band will get the exposure they deserve and some live dates would be great as well!

Website

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Review by Jason Ritchie