I remember reviewing one of Hearse's earlier albums. I also remember being pretty impressed, as I did a short interview with the band (an activity I rarely indulge in). Unfortunately, both pieces have been lost during the Fishcomcollective-Corazine transfer. Ah well, we're up to Hearse's fifth album now, and they're still walking the path of death'n'roll. I don't know why, but from the moment I read the album title, Hearse reminds me of Cathedral. Not in its entirety, of course, but on the songs that are really rock'n'roll, Hearse has that same, typical relaxing groove going on.
Of course, labels always boast with big names whenever possible. This time it's Dan Swanö, who produced the album, but we hear that one now and then. The bassist-vocalist on duty is Johan Liiva, frontman of Arch Enemy during the early years. It's funny how he supposedly "left" Arch Enemy, while other sources claim he "was asked to leave". Quite the nuance there, but whatever. Johan hits the right tone for this kind of heavy metal, just like the other musicians do their part justice. They obviously have little choice, being a threesome. I like "Single ticket to paradise" simply because the band (as a unit, and as individuals) is doing its thing - it's not a style I'm often encountering, and I like the versatility within the premises of death'n'roll: from grungy and ominous (e.g. "Your Purgatory") to powerful up-tempo beats (e.g. "Misanthropic Charades"). Sweet!
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AUTHOR: Goran
Goran has been an active reviewer for years (since the old Fishcomcollective, to the brand new Corazine - and also for Face Your Underground). He enjoys - besides metal - the creative side of life, be it through music, sports, programming or 3D. You can find him at www.myspace.com/fdemets.