Åskväder - Åskväder

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In the beginning of international success, Swedish Metal/Rock scene was known mainly due the commercial success of EUROPE in the 80’s with “The Final Countdown” and Yngwie J. Malmsteen with his classic age works, but during the early days of the 90’s, Sweden was known due its Death Metal acts as DISMEMBER, ENTOMBED and UNLEASHED, but since the second half of the 90’s, many different Metal/Rock genres appeared there, and the trio ÅSKVÄDER seems to inherit a different path, as can be heard on “Åskväder”.

They’re in a Rock ‘n’ Roll/Classic Rock way, melodic and based on excellent melodies that are easy to assimilate, choruses that can be sang on the second time the listener hears a song, and based solely on vocals, guitars, bass guitar and drums. Obviously some influences from Post Punk and Pop Rock can be detected in some points, but the album is a refreshing form of music when the listeners just want to hear music for fun, without any compromise. And it doesn’t sound moldy or pretentious in moment, because their music is free of conceptions, and it’s truly fun. The sound production was done in a way that everything can be understood without problems, but bearing and organic feeling due the lack of infinity digital editions. But it sounds new and fresh, pulsing with life and energy, and the choice for the simplest instrumental tunes that could be found was a wise decision.

“Thunderstorm” is a frantic and melodic Rock ‘n’ Roll song, filled with accessible melodies, as the same appears on “Cutting Corners” and “God’s Grace” (both with a very good work from bass guitar and drums). “Nothing to Lose” keeps the same commercial hooks and energy, but with some influences from Punk Rock, and the same appears once more on “But My Lip” (where some modern groove traces can be heard), Along with these ones, the radio orientated melodies of “Elysium” (very good guitars and vocals), and the rough greasy feeling of “The Miser” are the best shots of the trio.

If you’re looking for something fun and free of labels, “Åskväder” is an album done for you, and the name of ÅSKVÄDER can grow a lot, if they can deal their cards with wisdom.

Musicianship: 8
Songwriting: 10
Memorability: 9
Production: 8