Hardreams Calling Everywhere
by Trevor Portz
Staff Writer
If the late ’90s and early ’00s were all about the ’70s revival (with bands like Nebula, The Hives, and The Datsuns), perhaps it only serves to reason that the ’10s (as they will henceforth be known) will be all about an ’80s revival. With the current trends in pop music (Little Boots, anyone?) it’s not that far-fetched to believe that rock and metal may follow the same retro path. If this does in fact become the case, then Spanish rockers Hardreams are very forward thinking. Of course, with everything retro, one question always pops up: Is this style worth reviving?
Hardreams’ overall style is so firmly rooted in the past that the initial reaction of most listeners will probably be that they are listening to a long-lost mid-’80s release, and certainly not something recorded in 2002. The songs are laden with synthesizers, “happy” power chords, and high, Journey-esque vocals. This may sound like a decent mix at first, but unfortunately, the resulting songs are so watered down and saccharine that they are left without any semblance of attitude or emotion. Sappy lyrics and uninspired melodies do little to warrant repeat listens. The majority of the tracks would not be out of place played over a climactic scene in a cheesy ’80s blockbuster, though are far less memorable; think Cheap Trick’s Mighty Wings more than Survivor’s Eye Of The Tiger.
That said, Calling Everywhere (originally released in 2004 on Vinny records, reissued in 2009 by Perris Records) is certainly not an entirely bad record. The musicianship is excellent across the board, and the production is polished to the point of perfection. Guitarist David Aguera is a consummate shredder whose skills would not be out of place in any top-notch power metal band. Vocalist Manu Esteve has excellent range, and occasionally sounds not unlike Michael Kiske, though he is not nearly as diverse. His biggest drawback comes in his pronunciation, and more often than not he sounds as if he is reading the lyrics phonetically rather than singing naturally. This draws attention away from the overall lyrical content and serves as a frequent distraction. A similar vocal ailment was suffered by Max Cavalera on Sepultura’s Beneath The Remains, but by Arise the problem had nearly been eradicated. Hopefully the same can be said for Esteve on Hardreams’ follow-up.
Though most songs follow the same well-lit path, there are a couple of off-road deviations, which also happen to be the album’s strongest points. “The Right Side Of Mine” begins as a slow, acoustic ballad, but suddenly morphs into a hard-driving, nearly headbanging rocker. A pinch harmonic-filled riff topped with angry vocals gives way to a tempo change and a fast-paced mid section reminiscent of Gamma Ray’s epic “Rebellion In Dreamland.” Had this diversity been used more liberally throughout the album, the result would have been a much stronger product overall.
“After Hell” serves as the album’s other stand-out track. It is built on a dark, heavy, Savatage-like riff that leads the listener into believing the track may be instrumental, until vocals kick in two and a half minutes later. The song keeps the energy high, building to a scream at the 6:00 mark that recalls King Diamond’s ear-piercing wail. Don’t mistake that for criticism though, as this stands as the emotional climax of the record. Again, it is a shame that this energy level couldn’t have been carried throughout all of the songs.
In addition to the original album, Perris has added 3 bonus tracks: a demo of “Pain,” which is very similar to the final product, and two live tracks recorded at the Ripollet Rock Festival in Barcelona. Though the tracks are great for fans, they do nothing to add to the overall effect of the album itself.
Despite its shortcomings, Hardreams seem to be building a sizeable following overseas, and with this reissue, perhaps in the US as well. Whether or not the world is ready for such an ’80s throwback remains to be seen, though, and just because they are “calling everywhere,” doesn’t mean anyone is listening.
Label: Perris Records
Web: www.hardreams.com; www.myspace.com/hardreams
Band Lineup:
Manu Esteve (v)
David Aguera (g)
Victor Muino (b)
Sergio Hormigo (d)
Sergi Segarra (k)
Track Listing:
1. Intro
2. Wings on Fire
3. The Crime of Loving You
4. Soul Dancer
5. Calling
6. The Right Side of Mine
7. I Don’t Know Why
8. A Place for Our Love
9. Million Miles Away
10. Pain
11. After Hell
12. Pain [Demo Version]
13. Si Tú Te Vas [Live]
14. Two Shots [Live]
Hardrock Haven rating 4.5/10