I am so sorry that I have to give another album a high rating
again. Either I am a just lucky bastard that gets some of the
best hard rock releases this fall or it is an irony of fate that
resulted in that I had to listen to some delicious productions
and also had the honor to review.
Fullforce is a Swedish project with the fantastic vocalist Mike
Andersson (who I recently wrote about in the band: Cloudscape),
Stefan Rosqvist (Cloudscape) - guitar, Tommy Larsson (ex-Heed)
on bass, and the former Malmsteen/Hammerfall members Stefan
Elmgren (guitar) and Anders Johansson (drums). Their debut album
(One) was released only 18 month's ago so the name is right on
this piece of art.
'Next Level' is really a step up in quality and intensity contra
'One'. With a more clear melodic direction and even more
powerful vocals from the workaholic Andersson than on the narrow
debut album. With half of Cloudscape involved one would think
that there would be a similar sound, but Mike's voice is so
variable that it is no obstacle. There are less progressive
parts than in Cloudscape and it is much straighter, simpler, and
rhythmic and has a clear line in the tracks composition. Pompous
rock and big bombastic elements are apparent in the tracks.
Mike's vocals are higher in pitch, and it is the right and
proper sound if Fullforce shall be a power metal band to be
reckoned with.
Similarities with bands like Hammerfall, Dream Evil and Gamma
Ray are obviously easy to hear. 'Next Level' is a dazzling
creation with only a few songs, which won't remain in my 'save
folder'. Otherwise there is a very well-cooked and strongly
flavored guitar playing, which is the essential and unique
ingredient that lifts the disc's tracks to the higher level in
the rating scale.
When all these ingredients are interwoven, the result is a
mature and strong album that will appeal to the loyal fans of
Power Metal.
