HARDCORE SUPERSTAR – ABRAKADABRA
Hardcore Superstar– “Abrakadabra”
Label: Golden Robot Records
Rating: 9/10
Review: Dawn Osborne
This is the twelfth album from these, now veteran, Swedish rockers, but there is absolutely no let up in the energy of their work. Obviously the rest during the Pandemic has done them good as they attack this album like it was their very first: Hard, but always melodic metal.
“Abrakadabra” about ‘weekend warriors’ starts with a keyboard solo which is unusual for this band, but it’s not long before we are into Hard Rockin riffs and snarling sleaze vocals. Vocalist Jocke Berg commented that guitarist Vic Zino plays like a guitar hero on the album and I cannot disagree.
‘Influencer’ is a sarcastic attack on social media influencers and their effect on kids. It’s an illustration of how the band’s raw sound has been harnessed on this album; polished production without losing any of its power. There are gang vocals on this and a later track ‘One For All’ that bring to mind how this band really do hang together; Jocke and Adde having been mates since they were kids.
‘Forever and a Day’ is on the melodic side of things for this band chorus wise, but the verse spits enough venom to keep one foot firmly in the gutter. ‘Weep When You Die’ with its edgy vocals contrasting with sugary sweet backing vocals showcases the superb aforementioned guitar work. As does ‘Give Me a Smile’ with its stomping bass for the verse and soaring solo. ‘Catch Me If You Can’ is one of the bands’ most frenetic numbers with a lightning fast solo as they pause only once for breath just to emphasize the relentless pace.
‘Dreams in Red’ is more alternative with the insistent staccato rhythm and high register guitar used to evoke a more anxious and disturbed ambience. The vocals reminded me more of the ‘Dreamin in A Casket’ era, as they also do on next track ‘Throw a Brick’.
‘Fighter’ is an acoustic based, epic American Road Anthem inspired finale (only Jocke’s accent gives the game away that its origins lie in Northern Europe). Jocke’s vocals and Vic’s guitar scream quality every bit as high as Frank Hannon and Jeff Keith achieve in Tesla.
A delicious mix of songs back to the bands’ roots with a more sophisticated production. I picked up on the excitement and freshness in this recording; a welcome release after a period of abstinence and it is highly recommended.
