Aftershock is the debut from Norwegian hard rock act Bridgeville, who are comprised of vocalist Martin Steene (Iron Fire, Humbucker) and members of the band Absinth, guitarists Erik Norheim & Kenneth Jacobsen, drummer Thomas Furuvald, and bassist Roger Svenkesen. Mixed by the duo of Jacob Hansen & Tommy Hansen, Aftershock is a slick sounding hard rock record steeped in the melodic sounds of '80s arena rock, featuring soaring hooks, crunchy guitars, and the swagger that bands like Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Winger, and Skid Row called their own.
Most of the tunes here are pretty damn catchy right from the get go, especially "Save Me", "Get on Top", and "Black Rain", with hooks that grab instantly and plenty of crisp guitar work, while the moodier tracks "Mystic River" and "Aftershock" show a more emotional side of the band while still amping up the heaviness. Though the album is clearly drawing on '80s rock influences, a tune like "Keep Holding On" could easily find a home on todays hard rock or alt-country radio, as could the yearning ballad "Bridge to a Broken Heart". The band dig deep on the groove laden head banger "Freakshow", tap into their inner Bon Jovi & Journey on the soaring "Homeland", and remind of the early career of Skid Row on the engaging tracks "Anthem of the World" and "Absinthia".
The lead vocals of Steene are excellent throughout Aftershock, and to be honest, there's really not anything to find fault with on this very solid debut. If you long for the glory days of commercial hard rock that ran rampant in the '80s, Bridgeville have just the album for you in Aftershock.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1) Get On Top
2) Mystic River
3) Save Me
4) Aftershock
5) Black Rain
6) Keep Holding On
7) Bridge to a Broken Heart
8) Freakshow
9) Homeland
10) Anthem of the World
11) Absinthia
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