Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 11:29 PM by Giorgos Tsekas
Genre: Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
Country: Sweden
Country: Century Media Records
Year: 2017
Almost 7 months after the official release of an album, a review about it is certainly a bit late. In fact, it lacks the immediate. In fact, it lacks the immediate information of the reader about something that is “hot” but here lies the root of the problem of our times and, most importantly – through the absorption of information – the actual assimilation of music so that it becomes a fan’s property in the true sense, not as an acquisition, not as a product. The advantages of this time-lag presentation is the distance between the release and the writing of this review, something offers a cool – headed reaction, while the calming of any excitement there is makes this review of some value, even after this time. While being on the subject, let’s be honest, the word time is relevant to Horisont. Ten years on the streets and 5 studio albums later, the Swedes, after signing a new contract with Century Media Records, they’ve managed to do the impossible: while gazing the past, they’re looking to the future! Inspired by the 70’s melodic Heavy Metal / Hard Rock, their sound owes not only much but almost everything to the acts that defined the sound of that fabulous decade. Fortunately, their influences are not one-dimensional and sophisticatedly targeted towards a band or a particular sound. Despite their common path and musical direction they seem to avoid the mistakes their fellow travelers have committed (see Kadavar and Gentleman’s Pistols) who tried to modernize themselves in an awkward way. True to old school sound, they begin with ambition with a cover of ‘The Hive’ (original performance by Richard Harris in 1969). Musically speaking, they achieved in bringing the song to their terms through Blue Oyster Cult, of course, automatically creating a classic anthem. I cannot recall any better cover in the current decade, raising the bar of a release way too high on first kick. The track ‘Electrical’ that follows was the first single with an easy but catchy refrain and an adhesive melody. Both of the above mentioned songs have the characteristic of telling a story through the lyrics, which makes listening more immediate and enjoyable. Generally speaking, Axel’s narrative is warm and makes you feel like listening to a friend telling you a story while drinking at the bar. Even in ‘Letare’, in which the lyrics are sung in their native language, it actually sounds familiar, while rhythm alterations force Axel to unfold the range of his talent by singing in both high and low pitches. I mentioned above the variety in Horisont’s music, which translates into a lot of influences to their sound. At ‘Point of Return’ you will hear King Crimson, besides the obvious (Rush), ‘Without Warning’ reeks of Deep Purple and Uriah Heep (and in the same titled ‘About Time’ we listen to a lot of Heep), ‘Boston Gold’ with its synths reminds us of AOR gods Boston, in ‘Night Line’ there’s mix of Status Quo and Thin Lizzy, in the top heavy 70’s space rock hymn ‘Hungry Love’ we can listen to some early Scorpions, while ‘Dark Sides’ triumphantly seals the album (and is reminiscent of ‘Hungry Love’ , the solo brings to mind M. Shenker (as in ‘Electrical’). Shortly before picking the best albums of the year and measuring its positives and negative, it is a pity to lose this album among the masses of songs simply because it came out early this year. On the plus side, of course, the simple analogue sound of production and the clever lyrics, with only the negative, the somewhat funny cover.
5/6
