Treat Coup de Grace
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
Europe was the obvious success story from the Swedish melodic rock scene in the 1980s, but despite a baffling lack of attention from U.S. audiences, Treat played nearly as large a role in that scene. Their brand of ultra-catchy melodic rock helped define the Swedish melodic rock sound and influenced a generation of bands. Treat’s role in the Swedish melodic rock scene is similar to Bonfire’s in the German scene. So yeah, it was a big deal when the band broke a 14-year silence in 2006 to start playing reunion shows. And it’s an even bigger deal that the band has a new studio album out, just in time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their first release (1985’s Scratch and Bite.)
For their comeback album Coup de Grace, their first since 1992’s self-titled album, the band consists of Anders Wikstrom (guitars, backing vocals), Robert Ernlund (lead vocals), Jamie Borger (drums), Nalle Pahlsson (bass, backing vocals) and Patrick Appelgren (keyboards/guitar, backing vocals). That’s damn near all of the people responsible for Treat’s classic ‘80s albums, so expectations are understandably high going into Coup de Grace.
Coup de Grace is a first class melodic rock album by a band that’s been around long enough to have all but perfected their craft. The guys are older and wiser, so it’s not another Pleasure Principle, packed with songs about living fast and rocking hard. Yes, there are love songs, and yes there’s that trademark Treat melodic approach, but the songwriting reflects life experiences and conveys a sense of maturity that simply wouldn’t have been possible back in the ‘80s.
Of course, all the maturity in the world won’t help if the songs are weak, but fortunately that’s far from the case with Coup de Grace. Wisktrom’s guitar playing is absolutely smokin’ here, with huge hooks and melodies that instantly lodge themselves into your brain. He really is the heart and soul of Treat’s sound, and between his guitar playing, songwriting and production job, he’s managed to put together an album that stays true to the Treat legacy while bringing the band roaring into the new era. Then there’s Robert Ernlund’s vocal performance. Ernlund has such a steady yet powerful voice; never too high and never too harsh. Even after 25+ years in the business his vocals sound as smooth as ever.
Highlights of Coup de Grace include the rockin’ “The War Is Over,” “Heaven Can Wait” and “Breathless” as well as the slower “We Own the Night” and “A Life To Die For.” Honestly though, there isn’t a weak song to be found on the whole album.
Fans of the Swedish melodic rock sound have plenty to celebrate. Treat is back and sound as good as ever. Coup de Grace is another fantastic melodic rock album from one of the best bands in the genre, and is one that every Treat fan must own. It’s also a can’t miss album for melodic rock fans in general, and an early contender for the “best of 2010” list.
Label: Frontiers Records
Track Listing:
1. Prelude: Coup de Grace
2. The War Is Over
3. All In
4. Paper Tiger
5. Roar
6. A Life To Die For
7. Tangled Up
8. Skies of Mongolia
9. Heaven Can Wait
10. I’m Not Runnin’
11. No Way Without You
12. We Own the Night
13. All For Love
14. Breathless
Online: www.treatnews.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.5/10