When you
form a band where the common denominator is Motley Crue, then we all know that
this will be raw and unpolished hard rock with attitude. Hardcore Circus
started out as a project involving Joakim Bloohm (Drums, Randy Piper's Animal)
and Jorgen Blomstad (Vocals & rhythm guitars, Surround) and after writing
sixteen songs, of which ten made in onto this album, they were quickly joined by
Nalley Pahlsson (Bass, Treat, Therion etc.) and C.J. Grimmark (Lead guitars,
Narnia).
To give the
album the little extra something, an edge, they were joined by Mats Leven (Therion,
Treat etc.) to do the vocal harmonies together with Jorgen and Nalley. The album
sounds like a nice mixture between the classic Swedish Hard Rock scene, and the
more raw and in your face segment of the American Hard Rock scene from the late
80s early 90s; Motley Crue, Love/Hate and Skid Row.
I don't
think they are quite able to recreate the magic those bands created many moons
ago, the sound is too polished. I wish they'd be a lot more raw and edgier and
shown the pure aggression more often than it is the case. "Wake up Call" is
never-the-less is an enjoyful and fun album to put on; with many fine moments
that brings back many fond memories.
Good buy!
