Debut album by yet another classy Swedish melodic rock band - just what
do they put in the water there? There have been a stream of top quality
bands down the years and add to that list second Heat. The band are made-up
of members of two other bands - Cloudscape and the rather good Alyson
Avenue. Only vocalist Thomas Bursell has no attachment to either of these
bands.
It’s quality melodic hard rock with a distinct metal edge (check out
‘Never Surrender’ with its metal riffing, very Judas Priest). ‘Anything But
Love’ is a slice of blissful melodic rock - think Giant or Domain. Keyboards
feature high in the mix; hardly surprising, as keyboard player Niclas Olsson
is the driving force behind this band. Try ‘Deep Blue Sky’ where keys and
guitars meld into a catchy rocker. Amazingly no ballad on the album although
‘Eyes of Fire’ is a slower number featuring banks of keys and staccato
riffing.
One of the few bands who successfully bridge the gap between melodic rock
and metal. Stands up to repeated plays and a very strong debut release.
***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly
