Album Review: Dead Lord - Surrender
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
I had no idea what to expect when I chose to review ‘Surrender’, the fourth full release by Dead Lord. Being a fan of many classic rock bands, Thin Lizzy in particular, ‘Surrender’ hits a certain spot in all the right ways. The Swedes should really have been born about 50 years ago because their retro vibe would have fitted right in around 1976. Formed in 2012, the band’s debut ‘Goodbye Repentance’ emerged the following year. The recording line-up for ‘Surrender comprises’, in their own words; “Hakim Krim on lead, heart-wrenching vocals and screaming electric guitar; Martin Nordin on mid-range-madness-guitar and angelic backing vocals; and Adam Lindmark on the mayhem-like pandemonic expression of animal instinct that are the drums. The thunderous low-range-groove-duty of the electric bass guitar was shared between Mr. Krim and Mr. Nordin for ultimate rockage.” With Ryan Kemp now in place on live bass, the band are quorate and ready to rock.
Krim’s vocals echo elements of many influences, but there are shades of Ricky Warwick and the soulful tones of Phil Lynott hidden in the mix. The fluid and delightful duel guitarwork is reminiscent of Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham at their peak. I think you may be getting the feel for this music by now. Over the 40 or so minutes, Dead Lord deliver an album full of passion and emotion. Each track is a foot stomper, contagious with delicious hooks, full of melodic guitar lines and soaring vocals that raise the spirits. This is solid and enjoyable hard rock delivered with a swagger and groove that few bands can match. In fact, it’s the type of music I’d hoped the Black Star Riders could have but have failed to deliver in recent years.
From the opening track ‘Distance Over Time’ which sets the feel with its anthemic qualities, the gentle Americana feel of ‘Messin’ Up’ to the pumping ‘Killer on the Loose’ tones of closing song ‘Dystopia’, Dead Lord demonstrate a confidence which allows them to deliver tune after tune. It’s catchy, beautifully performed and produced and whilst it longs for those golden days when rock monsters walked the earth, it also contains a contemporary flavour. Live, I bet these guys would be fantastic. There’s a chemistry that crackles throughout. These songs are equally at home on rock radio or in the car with the wind on your face on a classic road trip and is an album to set the spirits soaring.
‘Surrender ‘is released on Century Media on 4th September.
