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Swedish psychedelic rockers Graveyard have returned with their sophomore release, Hisingen Blues, their first for Nuclear Blast. It's a great throwback to ’70s classic rock, blues and folk. But the band isn't just trying to be retro, you can just sense that they really feel this music within every fiber of their beings. The spirit of great classic rock is strongly present throughout Hisingen Blues.

The vocals of Joakim Nilsson is one of Graveyard’s strong points. Often sounding like a cross between Robert Plant and Chris Cornell; he nails the high notes, croons and wails at will, and puts forth a soulful emotion that other vocalists could only dream they could achieve. The music isn’t far from ’70s rock of The Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin or Traffic, mixed with a bit of Pink Floyd and maybe Ireland’s the Answer. Graveyard’s eclectic influences really add an interesting blend that is both familiar and refreshing.

"Ain't Fit to Live Here" starts with a great drum fill, reminding me of Ginger Baker’s solo from "Toad." Soon after, Nilsson’s Robert Plant-like vocals commence, joined by a southern rock riffing style. The song is even completed with a church choir-type chanting, interspersed with claps. Instrumental "Longing," with its dramatic whistling, sounds like a Western-themed movie soundtrack. Its haunting melody and tom tom drum pattern adds to the overall flavor of the song.

The powerful blues number "No Good, Mr. Holden," the upbeat tempo of “Hisingen Blues,” the dirty, doomy riff of "Buying Truth" and the hip-swaying swagger of "RSS" are definite highlights.

Sludgy, soulful and electrifying sums up Hisingen Blues. Graveyard has a diverse and refreshing sound, and its done exceptionally well.

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