Swedish metallers Locomotive Breath play an excellent mix of 80's hard rock and melodic metal, often reminding me of bands like Europe, Mr Big, Rainbow, and some heavier acts such as Accept. Mainly driven by guitarist Janne Stark and vocalist Mattias Osback, Locomotive Breath is more of a hard rock band playing concise rock songs injected with a healthy dose of melody, catchy choruses, and excellent guitar work. Those familiar with Stark's previous band Overdrive and the first two Locomotive Breath discs should know what to expect from their third album. More mature than ever, Stark displays an immense talent for melodic phrases and bluesy guitar licks. While he doesn't play any over-the-top long solos, he definitely has a knack for finding the most fitting tone and lead solo for each and every piece, be it a classic 80's hard rocker like "H.M.M.(Heavy Metal Meltdown)" littered with a voice that strangely evokes Glenn Hughes, blues-inflected lead work, and gripping harmonies; or simply the more poppy sounding "What I've Become" which instantly reminded me of Europe's finest moment, where even the most commercial songs were still filled with killer guitar riffs and passionate vocal performances. The two ballads find the band paying tribute to Mr Big, particularly on "Leaving My Heart With You", continuously shifting from acoustic guitars to multipe vocal parts sung with utmost conviction.
The opening riff of "Speed Driven" sounds like a cross between the heaviness of Accept and Swedish melodidicism. Some other songs are great works of the darker side of rock music. "Feel My Rage" and "Phyxious" are perfect examples of the stuff you'd hear on Spiritual Beggars albums. Ripping vocals sung over stretched blues jams, crashing cymbals, a full bass bottom courtesy of former Talisman and Yngwie Malmsteen bassist Marcel Jacob all make for great 70's rock bands that were never as popular as their peers for whatever reasons. Interestingly, the band sounds like a 2005 version of Rainbow on the melodic rocker "High On Illusion". Even vocalist Osback sounds like a heartwrenchingly expressive Dio while the band behind him employ a more in-your-face aggression, considering the amount of kick drums and grooving bass rhythms. Without question, the last song "Gargleblaster" will immediately impress fans of instrumental guitar music the most. The song features a huge list of guests, including Hank Sherman of Force of Evil and Mercyful Fate, guitar freak Mattias Eklundh of Freak Kitchen, Lars Eric Mattsson, among others. Each and every one of them is given enough space to showcase their chops, trading quirky leads, riffs, and melodies. Eklundh's brief experimentation past the 2:00 mark will blow your mind away - this guy is insanely talented. Just give him a listen in the very end of the track and you'll see what I mean. There are also a lot of tapping licks and legato playing which too are nothing short of astonishing. This is certainly a fantastic way to finish the album.
Locomotive Breath is a must for any 80's fan who misses the era. Change of Track is a work of short, melodic songs with lots of hooks, intense vocals, and strong production.
Track Listing
- H.M.M.
- Shadow
- What I've Become
- Leaving My Heart With You
- Speed Driven
- Feel My Rage
- Firestarter
- High On Illusions
- Phyxious
- Kingdom of Tragedy
- Chains Around Heaven
- I'll Be Fighting
- Gargleblaster
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