The Swedish supergroup GINEVRA consists of singer Kristian Fyhr (SEVENTH CRYSTAL), guitarist Magnus Karlsson (MAGNUS KARLSSON’S FREE FALL, THE FERRYMEN, PRIMAL FEAR, ALLEN/OLZON, and many more), bassist Jimmy Jay (H.E.A.T) and drummer Magnus Ulfstedt (NORDIC UNION, ex-ECLIPSE). The sound is Melodic Hard Rock with a touch of Metal. Two and a half years after their fantastic debut material “We Belong To The Stars” (September 2022), they have now released the sequel “Beyond Tomorrow”. Fyhr’s singing and songwriting talents combined with Karlsson’s songwriting and masterful guitar playing have once again created something very special.
GINEVRA was created after Kristian sent some songs to Serafino Perugino, the CEO of the record label Frontiers Music, which he had written with future Frontiers projects in mind. Perugino asked Fyhr if he was interested in fronting a new band instead, with a sound that was different from the singer’s main group SEVENTH CRYSTAL. Serafino thought that Magnus Karlsson, who also participated in the songwriting, was a perfect fit to play guitar. Karlsson liked the idea and said yes. With a powerful singer and a masterful guitarist, a top-class rhythm section was also needed. Musician and producer Jona Tee (H.E.A.T, CROWNE, NEW HORIZON) recommended his bandmate Jimmy Jay in H.E.A.T for the bass position. Magnus Ulfstedt was asked to join on drums and made the group complete. The new album “Beyond Tomorrow” was produced by the band members themselves and mixed by the famous Turkish composer and producer Cenk Eroglu, who also makes music for movies and TV series.
That Magnus Karlsson is a phenomenal guitarist we hear already on the first track “Moonlight”. His playing is outstanding both here and throughout the whole album, without it taking up too much space. We also find lovely bass tones from Jimmy and soft, rapid beats on the drums. The listener is swept along in the music and I note again that Kristian Fyhr has a very good voice. “True North” is a fantastic song. Kristian sings brilliantly well, with intensity and emotion. Even the guitar solo is played with feeling and decorated with some exuberant tones.
Ulfstedt’s drumming lays the foundation for the energetic rhythm, which is spiced with Karlsson’s string instrument, in “Let Freedom Ring”. The guitarist’s solo is varied and excellent. A captivating rhythm from the drums is also heard in “Echoes Of The Lonely”, strengthened by the bassist’s deep, warm tones. The double guitar loops in the middle section sound absolutely wonderful. “Beat The Devil” has a pulsating, pumping pace. Exuberant guitar tones bubble up and another superb solo is delivered. The hard, rough background vocals of the chorus become an effective contrast to Fyhr’s fine, clear voice.
A slightly heavier sound is found in “Arms Of Oblivion”. We hear a light pulsating rhythm and a lovely rasp in the bass and guitar playing. A touch of Heavy Metal continues in “Wild Ones”. The track has a rather fast tempo and in the middle of it a thick, vibrantly flowing bass carpet can be heard. The guitar solo is performed with fast fingers. There is a nice pulse right up to the end of the album, with “Enemy Of Your Destiny”, where Magnus Ulfstedt offers some outstanding drumming.
GINEVRA’s music has a wonderful driving force, an awesome vocalist and a lively guitar playing, as well as a fantastic bassist and a splendid drummer. The band has a more modern sound, but at the same time expressive and detailed, with magnificent melodies and captivating or catchy choruses. The atmosphere contains a Nordic melancholy, which is reflected in the singer’s sometimes emotional voice. The stylish, imaginative album cover takes my thoughts to darkness and light, despair and hope. “Beyond Tomorrow” is a fantastic production with a consistently top quality. I get exhilarated by the material and I am fascinated by everyone’s skill. The music rushes through my veins and makes me smile.
This is certainly not like any other assembled group, but the band feels like a close-knit team, delivering fantastic music together. Everything is very well written and also performed in an extraordinary way. These four Swedish guys are really skilled at what they do and this is a band you should not miss. Just like the debut disc, “Beyond Tomorrow” is a superb album, with only good songs right through. Hard rock fans can look forward to another gem. This is enjoyable quality. (Anna)
Bewertung:
9 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 11
Spielzeit: 45:14 min
Label: Frontiers Music s.r.l.
Veröffentlichungstermin: 28.03.2025
