A Norwegian Rock n Roll band? Hmmmm….. wait!! Before you throw it back in my face, let me just point out that Shagrath from Dimmu is in the band! Yep! Who knew the wee fella had a burning desire to do some rock music? Then of course there’s the pipes of Shady Blue (read on to hear what I think of that name) who is of course the vocalist from Susperia! Got you interested yet?
This is the bands fourth album release. Their first was back in 2006 titled ‘Doomsday Rock n Roll’ which received fair reviews. Only two years later they release ‘Booze, Broads and Beezlebub’ then in 2011 ‘3rd Round Knockout.’ Now, 3 years later ‘Infernal Rock Eternal’ is here, yet more songs on Booze, birds and bikes. Classy!
For the intro track and what starts off to be an olde world styled piece stunningly transforms into a southern sludge little number, the vocals haven’t even started yet and I’m already impressed.
The first track with vocals “Endless Nights’ starts off sounding like Bon Jovi’s living on a Prayer (no, really!) Which kind of fits, it then pounces in with some dirty riffs and that gruff voice of Susperia’s Shady Blue (What an awesome porno name). The riffs at the end sound pretty impressive, grooves all over the show!
‘She’s Hot Tonight’ is pretty damn cheesy even for a cheesy black metaller in the band. A big sing-along number which you just wouldn’t think old Shagrath would have anything to do with. Yet, it’s quite a good track. Think Hardcore Superstar and you’ve hit the nail on the head. Fear not though, there’s some brilliant little solo’s and even the group vocals sound ok.
Another dairylea filled track in ‘The Absinthe Voyage’ and for a moment I thought I was listening the cheese kings themselves, Sabaton. But no, I’m to take this seriously, Shagster is in this band.
‘Lady of Perpetual Sorrow’ has a gorgeous intro, the acoustic riffs entwine between two guitars. Surely this isn’t the King of the Borgir playing this? I’m highly impressed! Yes, the vocals are somewhat power metal but it works! As the electric guitars come in still with the acoustics, it gets more aggressive and heavier, yet still maintaining that thought provoking feel to it.
At first looking at the title for the next track is making me thing of scruffy old men making cheap wine stuff. However ‘The Moonshine Years’ proves there’s nothing cheap going on here. The riffs are dirtier than ever and the vocals on this one have much more of a bad-ass feel to them.
A favourite is ‘Run Again’ due to the drumming; it’s a perfect beat to throw some shapes at the steering wheel whilst driving. Again, it’s another sing-along track and the solo’s as all of the tracks on this album are perfect.
‘Mistress in Madness’ comes a close second, with some Motorhead styled fast beats and Lemmy inspired vocals; how can it not be a winner?
You’d think Zakk Wylde was playing on ‘You’re Dead now’ as the early riffs sound a lot like Ozzy’s ‘I don’t Wanna Stop’. However, the track completely changes into something quite stunning. The middle section is almost Pearl Jam, slow and serene yet like nothing had changed it goes straight back into the insane riffs. And as for the vocals? Perfect on this.
Ending on ‘OI’ A punky metal number with some battle metal style “HEY” vocals here and there. Not really the best track to end on and it made me feel somewhat unsatisfied to end on such a low.
So if you want to listen to this and expecting something sounding like Dimmu Borgir you’d be sadly disappointed… the only black metal style you’ll get here is the leather jackets on their backs. A rock n roll fuelled album perfect for supping some whiskey whilst wearing your chain belts and looking pretty damn cool.
(6/10 Charlene Rance)
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