The Hellacopters are one of those bands I've been aware of for many years, yet their 2025 release Overdriver is the first time I'm sitting down to listen to their music. The Swedes, led by the multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter Nicke Andersson (Entombed, Lucifer, Imperial State Electric), have been delivering their brand of garage/hard rock since the mid-90's, and though they've had plenty of line-up changes and periods of inactivity, they are back once again with this follow-up to 2022's Eyes of Oblivion. All throughout Overdriver there are hooks galore and loads of gritty guitar riffs and licks, with Nicke handling all the lead guitar on this one in addition to lead vocals. Vocally, he reminds me of a more melodic Blackie Lawless from WASP, just the right amount of grit but still able to deliver the hooks. "Token Apologies", the power pop of "(I Don't Wanna Be) Just a Memory", the stinging hard rock of "Wrong Face On", and the KISS-influenced "Soldier On" (though the riff is too close to one of the newer Lucifer songs) open up the album in fine fashion, each one highly memorable, quite rocking, and ultimately groovy. "Doomsday Daydreams" has a killer riff and an ultra-memorable chorus, and the brooding "The Stench" blends Bad Company and Black Sabbath for a satisfying classic rock stew. And I always say, bands need to close albums with a bang, and The Hellacopters do just that with "Leave a Mark", a rousing blues rocker loaded with piss 'n' vinegar.
After hearing Overdriver, my first order of business is to get more albums from this kick-ass band. Fans who are looking to hear the fun put back in hard rock need to check this album out as soon as possible.
Track Listing
1.
Token Apologies 03:21
2.
Don't Let Me Bring You Down 03:15
3.
(I Don't Wanna Be) Just A Memory 03:23
4.
Wrong Face On 02:57
5.
Soldier On 04:15
6.
Doomsday Daydreams 03:13
7.
Faraway Looks 02:52
8.
Coming Down 03:53
9.
Do You Feel Normal 03:35
10.
The Stench 03:56
11.
Leave A Mark 05:21
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