Second Coming is the sophomore outing from the collaboration of Pretty Maids vocalist Ronnie Atkins and Eclipse/W.E.T. multi-instrumentalist & songwriter Erik Martensson, which follows their self-titled debut from 2016. Drummer Magnus Ulfstedt joins the duo, with Martensson handling all guitars, bass, and keyboard duties. As with the first album, plenty of bombastic melodic rock hooks, metallic guitar crunch, and atmospheric keyboards to be found here on Second Coming, with instantly memorable fare such as "It Burns", "Because of Us", and "The Final War" latching on to you immediately and refusing to let go. And, these tunes have plenty of balls, with Martensson's massive array of riffs creeping around every corner, and the guy can shred with the best of them too, though he doesn't go overboard here, instead his flashy excursions limited to short bursts that complement the songs rather than take them over. Atkins for his part is his classy, impressive self as always, the guy one of the more dependable and enjoyable vocalists in all of melodic rock, and he's 'breathtaking' on the soaring "Breathtaking" and digs deep on the grinding, somewhat bluesy hard rocker "Rock's Still Rolling". If you like classic Pretty Maids, check out the irresistible "The Best Thing I Never Had", an extremely memorable hard rocker with a great chorus, meaty riffs and symphonic keys. Classy stuff.
If you are a fan of both Pretty Maids and Eclipse, this 'nordic union' is an album that you must experience. It's that simple.
Track Listing
01_My Fear and My Faith 4:15
02_Because of Us 4:04
03_It Burns 4:54
04_Walk Me Through the Fire 4:34
05_New Life Begins 3:51
06_The Final War 3:47
07_Breathtaking 4:22
08_Rock's Still Rolling 3:47
09_Die Together 3:58
10_The Best Thing I Never Had 3:41
11_Outrun You 3:56