Label: Limewire/Cargo Records 2014
Review by Rich ”The Meister” Dillon
From Sweden come Nubian Rose and their Mental Revolution album set for release on December 9, 2014 in North America. Mental Revolution is the bandís sophomore outing behind 2012ís Mountain. The band centers around female vocalist Sofia Lilja and guitarist Christer Akerlund with Swedish super producer Tobias Lindell (H.E.A.T/Europe/Hardcore Superstar) again in the fold. The rest of the band features Henric Uhrbom (bass), Tomas Weijnesjo (drums) and Torbjorn Weijnesjo (rhythm guitar) with guests Joakim Ahlund (keyboards), Mats Leven (backing vox) and Katarina Kammarkor (choir). This second outing for Nubian Rose is touted as having production that is edgier and bigger in every way, more mature song writing and in general the duo have taken a big step forward. Letís see if it holds up to all that even though I have not heard the debut.
As always when doing a review I listen to the album a minimum of three times on different days as often one's mood is different day to day. My first impression of Mental Revolution was that I found it hard to listen to cover to cover as Lilja's voice reached some high registers. Now in my fifth or sixth rotation I can say that I am absolutely loving this album more and more each time as my ear becomes accustomed to her vocal prowess. ”War” is the lead track and begins softly before the pounding drums and tasty guitar riff kicks in. This blisteringly paced track had become a favourite. ”Time Again” takes the listener on an epic ride ringing in at over six minutes. ”Illuminated Within” features an insanely catchy bridge and chorus, but those are just the first three tracks of Mental Revolution! Further on we find ”Break Out”, the lead single that has been given the video treatment as well, another clear standout and good representation of Mental Revolution. The press release states: ”In combination with powerful guitar riffs and great melodies, they put a new spirit in the classic melodic hard rock” and I couldn't agree more... now to search out 2012's debut, Mountain.
www.nubianrose.com
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