ColdSpell Infinite Stargaze
by Derric Miller
Staff Writer
Does Sweden have the highest number of musicians per capita in the world, or does it just seem like it? And how does that country keep producing such stellar acts? Newcomers ColdSpell, from Sweden of course, have released one of the most polished and anthemic Rock albums of the year with their debut Infinite Stargaze. With the band’s name and the cosmic title, you may think this is a Progressive Metal band, but Coldspell plays an updated version of Classic Rock that features one of the best new singers around in Niclas Swedentorp.
The new CD is set in motion with “Keep On Believin’.” Seeing this release was mixed and mastered by Tommy Hansen, you know the sound is unbelievably clean and vibrant. “Keep On Believin’” could be compared to Whitesnake or Blue Murder; it’s in the same Rock arena. Swedentorp’s vocals should be the envy of many singers who can’t do anything he accomplishes in this track alone.
“Ravin’ Mad” is a groovy, old-school rocker, featuring a pummeling rhythm section from bassist Tommi Partanen and drummer Tobbe Brostrom. This is the same kind of music Big Cock is bringing back to relevance, although ColdSpell certainly isn’t anywhere as near tongue-in-cheek. Swedentorp’s vocals could be compared to Robert Mason, especially when he puts an edge to it. Guitarist Michael Larsson tears into a fevered solo, and the whole song crescendos towards the end as Swedentorp pulls off an almost Tony Harnell-like high note. Kick ass …
It’s a little odd that the band was allowed to go ahead with the song title “Straight Things Out.” Lyrically, the song is a man telling his woman the way it’s going to be, in other words, to “straighten her out.” Again, you have to be impressed by Swedentorp’s vocals. You will also dig the cool Hammond organ from Matti Eklund; his keys play a large role in the band’s Classic Rock sound.
“Fade Away” may be the best track on the entire release. With the chugging Led Zeppelin-ish rhythms and the somewhat bluesy and soaring vocals, you’ll keep coming back to it. This is also one of Larsson’s best solos, and it’s bolstered by a flowing keyboard solo as well.
The title track is the last track, and it’s the longest to boot. While some of the other songs are straight forward, “Infinite Stargaze” is more intricate and multi-dimensional, almost like a Dream Theater composition. They command this style of musicianship as flawlessly as they do the more pared down Rock songs.
It’d be a damn shame if ColdSpell’s Infinite Stargaze doesn’t bring these guys notoriety and massive sales. Although they’ve only been together since 2005, they are already creating timeless Rock music. And they are from Sweden, so they have to be awesome, right?
Web site: Official Site
Label: Escape Music
Track listing:
1. Keep on believing
2. Solid ground
3. Raving mad
4. Eye of the storm
5. Straight things out
6. Night falls
7. Fade away
8. Greed
9. Shot down
10. All I want
11. Surrounded
12 Infinite stargaze
HRH Rating: 8.5/10