JD MILLER: Afterglow (A.O.R.): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Here is again a combo coming from Sweden, a country that has so frequently invest the pages of Music Waves. This is the third offering of the Borås native band called JD Miller. But who are these gentlemen and what does this "Afterglow" actually contain?

The origin of the combo's surname comes from the combination of two drinks, Jack Daniels whisky and Miller beer. When we know that the band has been inducted into his country "the heaviest AOR group in the world", it can be assumed that the quartet like to enjoy itself.

This surprising title is not far from the truth, however. Indeed, JD Miller proposes songs with damn radio friendly melodies, of limited pop orientation, which bring us back to the Poodles, sheared by lead rhythms worthy of an angry Pretty Maids, even a measured Rammstein and dotted with electro synthesizers. Dazzling alternative metal, power metal and symphonic metal complete the mix, surprising the listener who no longer knows on which foot to dance. Nervous couples, heady choruses, variously impregnated breaks - symphonic, gliding, endowed with ethereal voices - occasional use of the double pedal, occasionally synthesizers close to Rammstein, everything is done to disorientate.

However, the listener at the heart of this deluge of diverse elements can cling to a savior thread, the melodic inspiration of the combo. To mention the tracks of immediate impact would be a challenge and would be like quoting the eleven nuggets of this album. If necessary, let us dare to highlight "In The Afterglow", an eight-minute monument, the very prototype of the skilful mix of genres proposed here, a "Game Of Love" with an almost dancing chorus and its twin brother "The Desire", and the catchy "Icarus" with its pachydermic rhythmic, its Rammstein solo style and its luminous chorus.

So, whether we're dealing here with lightweight neo-Metal, virile neo-AOR, aerated heavy, power metal light or electro-pop metal - you can mix the terms any way you want, it works. A word of advice, consume JD Miller without moderation. - Official website

JD MILLER

AFTERGLOW

MIGHTY MUSIC

A.O.R.