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NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS ALBUM REVIEW: THE HELLACOPTERS-OVERDRIVER

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Words by Anselm Anderson

Nuclear Blast Records continues its excellent run of releases today with "Overdriver," the ninth studio album from the Swedish quintet The Hellacopters. The follow-up to 2022's comeback album "Eyes of Oblivion" is a guitar-centred eleven-tracker that clocks in at forty minutes.

The album was entirely produced by guitarist/vocalist Nicke Andersson at Strawberry Studio and The Honk Palace. The album has a personal touch that reflects the effort put into bringing these tracks to life. The blend of anthemic choruses and punchy guitar riffs harkens back to classic rock artists of the 1970s. Additionally, the combination of blues elements and powerful lyrics creates a dynamic and rich rock sound.

The Hellacopters have been making music for 30 years, and were formed in 1994 by ex-Entombed drummer Nicke Andersson and guitarist Dregen. Initially started as a side project, they quickly became a beloved part of Sweden's hard rock revival. To date, they have released eight albums and have toured globally with legendary bands like Kiss and Iron Maiden.

The album opens with the boogie rock track "Token Apologies," followed by the deeply personal "Don't Let Me Bring You Down," which kickstarts the release. The guitar work between Dregen and Andersson is electrifying, with the two trading riffs and solos that add both energy and emotion to the music.

The album offers a sensitive side to the band with a few ballads used to prop up the album, such as the Queen-esque "(I Don't Wanna) Just a Memory", providing opportunities to wave those lighters at their shows.I believe that towards the end of the album, it feels like the band ran out of ideas and needed songs to fill the release. I think they perform better with upbeat, energetic rock 'n' roll tracks like "Wrong Face On" and the dark, bluesy track "Soldier On".

As mentioned earlier, the album features a collection of slower tracks, including "Doomsday Daydreams," "Faraway Looks," and "Do You Feel Normal." "Leave a Mark" is the perfect closing track, with its powerful message and uplifting chorus.

The Hellacopters deliver an impressive performance. The band's deeply emotional and personal album "Overdriver" demonstrates that the hard rock revival is thriving

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