by Justin Gaines
– Sr. Columnist —
It was a pretty big deal when legendary Swedish Melodic Rock band Treat returned after a nearly two-decade absence in 2010. That they did so with arguably the strongest album of their career in Coup de Grace was just the icing on the cake. Then they called it quits. Again. Sure, there are plenty of really good new Melodic Rock bands in the scene, like Eclipse and H.E.A.T., but Treat did it first, and they did it best, so that was some hard news to digest.
Fast forward six years and the gods of Melodic Rock have once again smiled on us. Treat is back with a new studio album, just its seventh in a 30+ year career, titled Ghost of Graceland. This time around they’re joined by bassist Pontus Egberg (King Diamond, ex-The Poodles). Lead guitarist Anders Wikstrom handles most of the songwriting here, as well as assisting with production.
Ghost of Graceland has what we love most about the classic Treat sound: the infectious melodies, the massive hooks, and Robert Ernlund’s smooth, powerful vocals. It also has the best elements of what made Coup de Grace such an effective album: the polish, the lyrical maturity and the general sense of veteran musicians doing what they do best. It’s an album that’s as smart as it is rocking, and as soulful as it is catchy.
Ghost of Graceland is a remarkably strong album from start to finish, but it does have its highlights. The stirring, rocking title track sets the atmosphere for the album, while “Better the Devil You Know,” “Inferno” and “Nonstop Madness” have a somewhat darker melodic rock tone. “Do Your Own Stunts” is a more uplifting song, and it’s impossible to resist the hooks or those fantastic backing vocals on “I Don’t Miss the Misery.” “Together Alone” is another interesting tune, as it features Wikstrom on vocals (and doing a really solid job of it). Of course, Ernlund sounds absolutely fantastic on all the other songs.
Waiting six years for this album wasn’t much fun, but once again Treat delivered an album that is more than worth the wait. Ghost of Graceland is soon to be a Treat classic, and it’s easily one of the best Melodic Rock albums 2016 has to offer. Fans of bands like Eclipse, H.E.A.T., Europe, Sunstorm and Nordic Union will absolutely want to get their hands on this one. Hopefully Treat won’t keep us waiting quite so long for a follow-up.
Genre: Melodic Rock
Band:
Robert Ernlund (v)
Anders Wikstrom (g) (v)
Patrick Appelgren (k) (g) (v)
Jamie Borger (d)
Pontus Egberg (b)
Track Listing:
1. Ghost of Graceland
2. I Don’t Miss the Misery
3. Better the Devil You Know
4. Do Your Own Stunts
5. Endangered
6. Inferno
7. Alien Earthlings
8. Nonstop Madness
9. Too Late To Die Young
10. House on Fire
11. Together Alone
12. Everything To Everyone
Label: Frontiers Records
Website: www.facebook.com/treatofficial
Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10
