Hero Immortal
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
Immortal is the second album from Swedish rockers Hero. According to the CD jacket their music is “dark melodic metal,” and that seems to be an apt description. Not power metal, not really progressive metal, not straight up rock or death metal – this one is tough to classify – a real genre bender. The overall tone is indeed dark and somber both musically and lyrically.
Veteran guitarist and band coach Michael Hero founded the band and sings lead vocals as well as playing guitar. The balance of the line up consists of Björn Sundström (guitar), Mauritz Vetterud (bass), Dannie Boy (drums – hope this is a stage name), and Johan Adler (keyboards). According to the band’s website, Marcus Lannfjäll played all bass on the album.
The title track “Immortal” opens with a mellow keyboard intro that quickly steps up to an almost progressive metal sound. Michael Hero has a rich and lush baritone voice, occasionally sounding as if Jorn Lande trying to channel Layne Staley. The backing vocals are nicely layered without being distracting and the guitar work is excellent. The tempo changes are minimal resulting in a very smooth and consistently melodic sound. “Blood Red Roses” is a kicky mid-tempo song, one of the strongest on the album. Everyone shines on this track – good keyboards, solid vocals, great drum and rhythm lines, good lyrics, and a melodic mix of guitar riffs.
“R.I.P.” follows the others into the darkness with an opening line of “Die, die, die die, die die, DIE!” – but suddenly becomes smooth and melodic, with a fantastic rhythm line and smooth vocals. “Punch In The Face” has a cool and gothic opening piece with lots of keyboards and acoustic guitars and builds into a solid mid-tempo metal cut.
“Imagine This” is the first of two ballads, the other being “When November Falls.” Both are filled with soaring keyboard riffs and subtle guitars, and Hero’s soothing voice makes them both remarkable songs. “Gasoline” and “Funeral Of Death” are rock guitar showpieces filled with Zakk Wylde squeals, harmonics and catchy choruses.
But then comes “Rock The World”… Why?!? This track is totally out of place and it is difficult to conceive of why it is on the disc. This song is almost mid-‘80s hair-metal “happy rock” and does not fit musically or lyrically – and is so different that even as a pure time filler it seems like a bad choice. Goofy title, cheesy lyrics, and it certainly doesn’t work with Hero’s baritone.
The production and engineering seems to focus on the vocals and guitar, and seems a bit muddy when it comes to the drums and bass. A little more clarity on bottom end would have helped to bring out the bass drums and give the CD a richer sound.
All in all, Immortal is a solid record especially if you skip “Rock The World.” It should appeal to metalheads and fans of the darker side of hard rock. Fans of ‘80s Happy Rock should listen only to “Rock The World” and skip the rest. The constant somber mood and gothic overtones are a little overdone and depressing at times, but the musicianship is excellent and the melodies strong.
Label: Retroactive Records
Web: http://www.myspace.com/herosweden
Track Listing:
01. Immortal
02. Blood Red Roses
03. R.I.P.
04. Punch In The Face
05. Imagine This
06. Gasoline
07. Funeral Of Death
08. When November Falls
09. Rock The World
10. Immortal We Are (Outro)
HRH Rating: 8/10