Graveyard
s/t
Transubstans Records/TeePee Records
Hey, this is a shocker! To be honest, we are not that spoiled with great sounding bands from Sweden devoted to this kind of rock n' roll. The kind that flirts with, and administrates, the rawk history of the 70's and early 80's. It's been done so many times before, Spiritual Beggars and Unida got away with it for example, but for the most part, it's been carbon copies getting the press. Here, however, is a band that deserves the press. The obvious influences of Black Sabbath, Pentagram and Blue Cheer are present all along these nine tracks, but the main influence here must be the works of Glenn Danzig. Not so much Misfits though but more his solo albums and, for sure, Samhain. The craftsmanship of producer Don Alsterberg is flawless in letting the not-so-much distorted guitars lead the way through the all-analog recordings. And that is one reason to why this record should appeal to more people outside the hard rock/metal core. The warm and fuzzy feel doesn't take the edge off Graveyard's rock either, that's for sure. The other reason is the great vocals. It's liberating to hear, because if there's one genre where good vocals are required, it's this one! The Danzig progressions are there and I'm floored. The chorus in "Thin line" together with an insane groove takes the song through the roof and I'm screaming for more. Still think of Göteborg as a city of pop sensations or death metal pioneers? Broaden your horizons, here's Graveyard bringing back the rock to you.
- Jonas Appelqvist
