Translate

Album Review: Svartanatt- Last Days On Earth

-
An animated picture of a middle aged Native American Man holding an Orb

Review by Anselm Anderson

Swedish rock band Svartanatt may have a difficult name to pronounce but their 70s retro rock style is a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era. The five-piece has released their third studio effort, entitled Last Days on Earth via The Sign Records. The band's doom-and-gloom lyrics mask their upbeat sound of uplifting vocals, razor-sharp riffs and '70s-influenced hard rock and blues.

According to the band, the album covers pessimistic topics like the loss of faith in society and humanity, but don't let that put you off listening to the album because some of the tracks are infectious and will leave you stomping your foot.


 Formed in 2014, the band hails from Stockholm, Sweden and consists of lead vocalist Jani Lehtinen, guitarist Felix Gâaste, drummer Daniel Heaster, bassist Anton Fors and Martin Borgh on organ and percussion duties. Last Days on Earth is a follow-up to 2018's sophomore album Starry Eagled Eyes. Admittedly, the band are new to me, so I am always eager to try some new music. I was instantly impressed with how fresh and original the record was. Recorded in Svenska Grammofonstudion, The album was recorded by Martin Borgh.



So without further ado! Let's dive into the album release. The bluesy riff and Jani's husky voice in "Demons in The Night" offer a solid 70s vibe, backed up by a stirring rhythm section. 




a photo of Svartanatt posing for a promo picture.
Photo Credit: Olof Nyman

 "Mad Stranger" features soft melodies, which could be a radio favourite. The vibrant guitar interplay with a rhythm and blues section is reminiscent of a laid-back Led Zeppelin, making Svartanatt's music fresh and original. The music picks up the mood with the uplifting "The Crows" with an organ intro, stirring keyboards and thick basslines that supplement the mood of the track.


 I tend to make the argument retro bands try hard to replicate Led Zeppelin, but Svartanatt takes a different approach.  They expand their sound through fresh and creative ideas such as the rousing charms of "Child of A Devil", a surefire hit with an energetic riff, catchy chorus and stellar guitar interplay. It's juxtaposed with dazzling keyboards that sound like an obscure band from the '70s. The rhythm section and percussive beats add a progressive element to the music, while the vocals implement the neverending list of riffs produced by Svartanatt. That is not to say the album is full of stomping rhythms and rollicking riffs. The band take a softer approach towards the mid-section of the album with melodic ballads like "Children of The Sun" and "Keep on Movin".


The driven organ sound on "I'm Ready" is something taken from the playbook of the late, great John Lord of Deep Purple fame.  The instrument takes centre stage in "Texas Dance" and "What You Want" to wrap up an enjoyable listen. 


Overall, The album presents a new and unique take on the genre, backed by solid production values that bring out the best in Svartanatt. Although there are instances when the album may feel repetitive, the band's skilful combination of majestic music and strong songwriting is a delight for any classic rock fan.


Rating: 8/10


Follow this link here to keep updated with all the latest interviews, and reviews from Rambling Man


Click here to watch the YouTube video for the lead single "Demons In The Night"







Line up since 2019:


Jani Lehtinen – Vocals & Guitar
 
Felix Gåsste - Guitar
 
Anton Fors – Bass & Background Vocals
 
Martin Borgh – Organ & keyboards

Daniel Heaster – Drums & Percussion

Connect with Svartanatt:



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EP Review: Saint Diablo Embraces the past on "The Reckoning"

-
Image
  Words from Anselm Anderson Nu-Metal is making a return with a bang. The latest band to embrace the genre that mixed down-tuned guitars with mixing desks and aggressive vocals about personal struggles and social anxieties is Virginia-based sextet,  Saint Diablo. Today, the Latin Americans release their latest four-track EP 'The Reckoning' via Eclipse Records.  The band consists of lead vocalist Tito Quinones, guitarist Justin Adams, bassist Zach San Pietro, drummer Anthony San Pietro, and percussionist Awesome Ray Ray. It has released two full releases to date, including 2015's critically -acclaimed Devils, Horns and Halos. The Reckoning  is no exception as the band delivers four sizzling tracks of apoplectic rage, thunderous riffs and catchy choruses to set themselves loose on the metal world. Upon first listening, I felt the band reminded me of the 2000's Latin Nu-metal group Il Nino. Ironically, this EP  was mixed, mastered, and recorded by the band's prod...
Read more

Eclipse Records News: IN WE FALL signs exclusive worldwide deal with the legendary Metal Label

-
Image
Photo Credit: Carlos Nemeth   New album Inner Self set for release on December 13th Iconic Record Label Eclipse Records  has announced its latest acquisition with the signing of In We Fall to a worldwide exclusive deal. An alternative metal band from Vila Real, Portugal, In We Fall, is known for creating a distinct and exotic sound through a mixture of alternative metal, progressive metal, and grunge. The band recently finished recording their debut full-length album entitled Inner Self which will be released on December 13, 2024. The album was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Daniel Moreira, at EvoluiSom Studios .    guitarist Carlos Carneiro says of the signing “We are really thrilled about signing with Eclipse Records and looking forward to the best work we can do with them!” says guitarist Carlos Carneiro. “Our debut album is ready to be released, so it really is great to be able to have this kind of support from them at this stage of our careers! Vo...
Read more

EP Review: Paradis- Self Titled

-
Image
  Words by Anselm Anderson Metalcore act Paradis released their hotly-anticipated self-titled debut EP last week, The quintet combines the raw ferocity of the genre's vocals with the dark atmospheric music of black metal, which is a unique approach to the revived genre, once maligned by metalheads all over. Formed in London, England, the multicultural group consists of vocalist Johnny Weaver, guitarists Pedro Silva and Federico Di Biase, bassist Mark Kuchmenko and drummer Flynn Everard. The band commented on how this was a team effort, reflected over five intense, headbanging tracks. Photo Credit: Michael Williams One notable aspect of this EP is the diversity of the tracks. Paradis delivers powerful and ominous metal with impactful orchestration and bone-shaking breakdowns. The band's creative ideas allow the music to take on a life of its own, showcasing a contrast between aggressive, angst-filled vocals paired with heavy riffs, and melodic vocals set against gothic underton...
Read more