|
|
"With this new opus, the Swedes don't hesitate to take risks to renew themselves while continuing to reach new heights of the genre."
|
4/5
|
|
|
|
Since its beginnings almost a decade ago, H.E.A.T. had got into the habit of offering a new studio opus every two years. The release of "Live In London" in 2015 shifted this rhythm, especially as the quintet saw its former guitarist, Dave Dalone, back in action, while Eric Rivers took a rest, finally leaving the band. With "Address The Nation" (2012) and "Tearing Down The Walls" (2014), the Swedes had imposed their style and their new vocalist, moving up to the top division. With the newcomer "Into The Great Unknown", the Scandinavians seem determined to take things to the next level by not hesitating to step out of their comfort zone.
For if 'Bastard Of Society' opens the hostilities on the ground of an energetic and scathing melodic hard rock, the sequel might surprise many. In the manner of a Bon Jovi or a Europe who have managed to avoid sclerosis by taking the risk of losing some of their first fans, H.E.A.T. doesn't hesitate to open up to new influences and to integrate new elements into its music. First single released as a preview, 'Time On Our Side' is surprising with its Muse style pop-rock-electro with sounds worthy of The Rasmus. The use of ubiquitous synthesizers also makes itself felt on the mid-tempo 'Redefined' close to Def Leppard or Reckless Love. In the form of haunting ritornellos, the keyboards also mark their territory on a 'Blind Leads The Blind', which is well stamped with the band's seal, or on a fun and catchy 'Do You Want It' with Erik Gronwall playing falsetto on the pre-refrain.
Just like his keyboardist friend Jona Tee, the singer is the other big beneficiary of the new evolutions that allow him to show the extent of his talent. His performance proves to be flawless, and even downright exciting on several occasions. The intensity of his interpretation on the power ballad 'Eye Of The Storm' is impressively evocative, while the atmosphere of this track flirts with what Dare can sometimes offer. On 'We Rule', in a theatrical ensemble with an epic structure reminiscent of Queen, the vocalist offers a performance worthy of Freddy Mercury, while Dave Dalone also comes to tease Brian May, all without ever falling into parody or even simple copying. Less adventurous but just as ambitious, 'Best Of The Broken' and the eponymous title create dark and soothing ambiences for the former, while the latter lasts more than 7 minutes to take the listener from the shadows into an as yet unknown light.
With this new opus, the Swedes don't hesitate to take risks to renew themselves while continuing to reach new heights of the genre. This opening up of their identity to new elements could destabilise many even if other now inescapable formations have not hesitated to do that. Requiring several listenings to discover all its richness, this opus has every chance of satisfying fans of the genre, if they have a minimum of adventurous character. - Official website
|
|
|
|
|
TRACK LISTING:
01. Bastard Of Society - 3:50
02. Redefined - 4:19
03. Shit City - 3:51
04. Time On Our Side - 3:53
05. Best Of The Broken - 4:32
06. Eye Of The Storm - 3:41
07. Blind Leads The Blind - 3:22
08. We Rule - 5:45
09. Do You Want It? - 4:05
10. Into The Great Unknown - 7:24
LINEUP:
Dave Dalone : Guitares
Don Crash: Batterie
Erik Grönwall: Chant
Jimmy Jay: Basse
Jona Tee : Claviers
|
|
| |
|
(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top of the page
|
| |
|
|
(1) COMMENT(S)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
|
STAFF:
4/5 (3 view(s))
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
IN RELATION WITH H.E.A.T.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
OTHER REVIEWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT H.E.A.T.
|
|