Album Review: Horisont - Sudden Death
Reviewed by Robbie Magurie
With the imposing legacy of one of the biggest & successful music acts of all time, you'd think Sweden would be a hotbed for composers and musicians where as a result its main protagonists would be dominating the international music scene. Maybe it is said hotbed and who knows Swedish musicians may be making an impact worldwide. Whilst the state of the Swedish music climate is not up for discussion here, you'd imagine surely growing up there some of that immidiate infectious pop creativity must impress upon you weather a pop music fan or not. Ultimately you simply cant get away from a well written, catchy song whatever style of music.
If reading this it's likely you'll know Horisont are far from a pop band instead they deal in good time hard rock. The kind of music that when done well can be irresistible and when done very well can be life affirming. There are indeed occasional moments on 'Sudden Death' their 6th album that are both. The brightly colourful 'Revolution' sets the tone and character immediately kicking things off in an irrisitiblely uplifting manner. Far from pop music it shows the clever use of pop sensibilities and how a well written song, whatever genre can benefit from simple song writing.
The song jaunts along with clever guitar sounds playing in background behind the wonderfully catchy piano. Theres no getting away from the foot tapping, head nodding trance you've been put momentarily under. The 70's drenched hard rock pushes on and in 'Free Riding' it's the hooks that Horisont seem to throw in that really grab you. The clever use of the piano working beautifully to create such wonderful melodies. Then bizarrely but interestingly the song changes style and pace and you are treated to a proggy synth section that while isnt out of place, it is certainly unexpected. There was a battle between synth and rock and metal in the 1980s yet Horisont seem to fully embrace those clear battle lines and unashamedly produce something fairly unusual, sections of progressive 70's hard rock.
For all its uplifting nature 'Sudden Death' has a deep and poignant heartbeat throughout. Knowing the subject matter is at times about the passing of lead singer Axels best friend, it feels strange such fist pumping, anthemic vintage rock can also contain such emotion. Highlight of the album 'Graa Dagar' (grey days) has a real depth within its mystical charm. The mournful feel the piano gives proves as important to their sound as say the soaring duelling guitars on the upbeat rocker 'Runaway'. It has a swagger and mischievous feel about it that seems lost within Rock music these days.
Without sounding disingenuous, Horisont songs are like the very best disco songs. They instantly grab you, playing around your head momentarily and leaving an indelible mark. Still though you want more and for longer, not just that initial hit. I said there were 'occasional' moments on this album that are life affirming. Moments that when do arrive make you sit up and they really hit that sweet spot, like the glorious cascading piano in 'Free Riding'. However on a downside these moments are short lived and there are not enough of them. You are left clamouring for that initial hooky hit or catchy chorus. That said there are plenty of moments within 'Sudden Death' to intrigue and entertain. If you have a remote interest in hard rock , the bluesy, vintage and honest kind then give this a listen. One things for sure, the moments of uplifting melody, fleeting as they are, combined with the captivating rock n roll will give a much needed welcome boost and feel good factor.
'Sudden Death' is released via Century Media on May 15th
