Coming from a region of Sweden that's already produced the likes of Graveyard, Witchcraft, Blues Pills, and Truckfighters obviously raises expectations quite a bit, but the truth is that since their 2012 debut Dancing Madly Backwards, the collective known as Captain Crimson have more than shown that they deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as their more well-known retro rock brethren. Their third album, and first for Small Stone Records, is a 10 track affair of blistering, melodic '70s styled heavy blues rock & proto-metal with an occasional proggy flair. Comprised of vocalist Stefan Lillhager, bassist/backing vocalist Chris David (ReinXeed), guitarist Andreas Eriksson, and drummer/organist Mikael Läth, Captain Crimson channel the best of Humble Pie, Led Zeppelin, The Groundhogs, Blue Cheer, Jethro Tull, Cactus, ELP, Aerosmith, Captain Beyond, Deep Purple, and Grand Funk Railroad, of course mixed with their own personality, making for an album rich in catchy hooks and kick ass instrumentation.
If you love classic, upbeat '70s hard rock with a bluesy edge, look no further than the Aerosmith/Led Zeppelin influenced raunchy rockers "Ghost Town" and "Love Street", each one filled with tasty guitar riffs, stinging solos, and Lillhager's powerful vocals. "Bells from the Underground" has more of a prog rock element flowing through its blues rock veins, and the grinding, gritty "Black Rose" (no relation to the Thin Lizzy classic) features some headbanging riffs and a neat little acoustic guitar interlude in the center which then segues into a blazing lead electric guitar solo. "Money" is a moody blues number, and a must hear for Graveyard fans, while the raging hard rocker "Drifting" features some intense riffing to go along with a driving rhythm section for one of the more raucous and groove laden cuts on the album. Their penchant for Cactus styled metallic boogie shines big time on the energetic closer "Senseless Mind", as tumultuous drumming propels the band into overdrive, the guitars thick and bluesy, with Lillhager showing his many sides as well with a powerful and varied performance.
The tender acoustic ballad "Alone" is really the only track where the band lets up and gives the listener a brief respite, otherwise it's pedal to the floor heavy rock all the way through, Captain Crimson really delivering a memorable set of tunes here that push all the right '70s styled buttons. With the future of the beloved Graveyard somewhat in doubt, Captain Crimson have a really good chance here with Remind to show the world what they are all about. Well done guys!
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1. Ghost Town
2. Bells from the Underground
3. Love Street
4. Black Rose
5. Money
6. Drifting
7. Remind
8. Let Her Go
9. Alone
10 Senseless Mind
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