In 2008, these Swedes released their first album “H.E.A.T”. Four more have come regularly and now it is time for the sixth. “H.E.A.T II” is the first work to be produced entirely by the band, with guitarist Dave Dalone and keyboardist Jona Tee as producers. One of the most talented groups today went back to their beginnings, to find the raw, classic rocksound from early H.E.A.T. The process of making this record has been a lot like it was when they first started out. “This is probably how it would have sounded if we released a debut album in 2019” say the guys. That is the explanation for the album title. Let us find out if they succeeded.
It all sounds familiar, like the eighties rock we recognize, and yet not. They turn back and forth between rather cheesy to more heavy. Much of their melodic hardrock we hear is catchy. Scandinavian Glam Metal in top form, where Dave offers great guitar riffs and I can imagine how Crash gives everything he can of his neverending energy behind the drums.
The album starts with "Rock Your Body", which has a cool rhythm. I think it will be a totally outstanding experience live. The drummer does a fantastic job, along with everyones backing choirs and Erik Grönwalls strong voice. In "Dangerous Ground" he more than once does a kind of rock voice-yell, which is great. We find powerful backgroundsinging extra much in "Victory", with its effective refrain, which makes me think of HAMMERFALL. Excellent drumming again, as well as a tempo that makes the music rush through you and does not stop until you have lost your breath.
Erik masters the whole range. This dude can really sing. Of course nothing new, but I still get impressed every time I hear him. Something that the author of these lines, among other things, likes in "Come Clean" is how the singers voice jumps up and down the scale with a confident feeling. The composition itself has a good structure and a driving force, which makes it captivating. Here we also find a phenomenal guitarplaying and lovely exuberant tones from Jona on keyboard.
One track that requires some listening before all pieces fall into place is "We Are Gods". At first, I was only positive to the verses, but negative to the chorus. What at first seemed a little incoherent turned out to be a brilliant tune. Appreciated are the interesting bridge and a very good guitar solo.
My thoughts wandered off a little to seventy-eighties discomusic during "Adrenaline" and the rock ballad "Nothing To Say" tends to appear as radiopop. I am not saying that is wrong, but prefer their rockier style. Overall, H.E.A.T has definitely done a good job with the new material. If you do not get caught right away, it will at least get better and better the more times you listen on “II”.
Save the best for last is a common saying. Near the end came "Under The Gun" and really made me wake up. It is powerful all the way. Drums and guitar in symbiosis, along with Jimmy Jay on bass and the frontmans splendid voice. Then follows "Rise" and now we are talking about even more power. This song gives strength, has a nice beat and again I have to give a plus for the background vocals. The fellows are skilled at what they do and yes, they have returned to their original sound. This is H.E.A.T. (Anna)
Anzahl der Songs: 11
Spielzeit: 45:33 min
Label: earMUSIC
Veröffentlichungstermin: 21.02.2020
Bewertung:
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