by Justin Gaines
– Senior Columnist/News Editor —
Swedish traditional heavy metal band Rocka Rollas is back with a new album, their third full-length release in the past four years, titled The Road to Destruction. There have been some changes in the Rocka Rollas camp recently, most notably the departure of vocalist Joe Liszt. This time around guitarist/songwriter Cederick Forsberg (also of Blazon Stone) takes on vocal duties as well.
Well, the voice may be new but the songwriting is definitely the Rocka Rollas we’re used to. It’s all high-speed, super-melodic, old school heavy metal that wears its influences – Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Accept primarily – on its sleeve (or rather across the back of a denim vest). Ced’s high-pitched vocals actually suit this kind of music to a T, and give the album an almost power metal feel at times.
The Road to Destruction may be the finest Rocka Rollas album to date. The band certainly sounds fired up this time around, and the tempo of these songs doesn’t give you much time to catch your breath, let alone get bored. They give Air Raid and Enforcer a run for their money this time, and that’s saying something! Highlights on The Road to Destruction include “Curse of Blood,” the anthemic “With Fire and Sword,” (which features a guest solo from Overdrive guitarist Janne Stark) and “The War of Steel Has Begun.” The only misstep is the band’s sped-up take on Magnum’s classic “Kingdom of Madness,” which just doesn’t work…at all.
Rocka Rollas has always been one of the more enjoyable bands in the Swedish traditional metal scene, but with this album they’re also one of the best. If high-energy heavy metal is your thing, particularly bands like Wolf, Air Raid and Enforcer, you’ll want to get your hands on The Road to Destruction.
Genre: Heavy Metal, Traditional Metal
Band:
Cederick Forsberg (v) (g)
Henrik Westlund (b)
Billy Qvarnstrom (d)
Emil Skogh (g)
Track Listing:
1. The Gathering (Intro)
2. Curse of Blood
3. The Road to Destruction
4. Firefall
5. Darkheart
6. A Wave of Firestrorms
7. With Fire and Sword
8. The War of Steel Has Begun
9. Guardians of the Oath
Label: Stormspell Records
Website: https://www.facebook.com/rockarollasmetal
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.75/10
