Mattias Hellberg
s/t
Silence
For once I get a record that is pretty much exactly what I expected. Take a little bit from each of Mattias' previous bands (Hederos & Hellberg, The Hellacopters, Diamond Dogs) and you'd get this solo debut. It's never quite as stark and despairing as H&H, nor does it rock as hard as the other stuff, but it does show strong influence both sides. I think it actually tends more towards the mellow side, with a bit more songs spotlight guitar and vocals as opposed to uptempo, full-band rockers. I listened to this a bit on my vacation not too long ago and it made for great road music.
- Avi Roig