That were shocking news when Swedish melodic rockers Diamond Dawn decided to split after their great, only album. But frontman Alexander Strandell pick up the flag and formed ART NATION, which debut CD “Revolution” was released to much acclaim by AOR Heaven Records.
It took a year and a half for ART NATION to crystallize a deal for this ”Revolution [Japanese Edition +4]”, requested here. This now sold out Japanese pressing includes as bonus tracks the very first song recorded by ART NATION, a self-released single, plus early versions of three songs of the album.
When Diamond Dawn disbanded, Strandell soon joined guitarist Christoffer Borg from Swedish AOR band Taste to create a new project, and in late 2013 ART NATION born. Christoffer is a John Norum kind of guitarist with both feel energy in his playing.
After several shows and a couple of singles, in early 2015, ART NATION signed a deal with German label AOR Heaven for their full-length debut album, which was produced and recorded by Jakob Herrmann (Hardcore Superstar) at Top Floor Studios, together with Christoffer Borg.
“Revolution” could best be described as a Melodic Rock album that presents equal doses of Scandinavian AOR and timeless, classic, elaborated hard rock.
First song ‘Need You To Understand’ delivers an energetic start with a blistering solo before making room for the meaty verse. A great opener that shows what ART NATION are all about.
Second track ‘3000 Beats’ is harder, and reminds me very much of Eclipse, where Alex really shows all of his vocal capacity and the song itself is one of my favorites on the CD. But I must tell you to pick favorites from this one is really hard, as the entire album is plenty of memorable moments.
‘I Want Out’ is pretty much Diamond Dawn, so if tou loved their brand of punchy melodic rock you’ll embrace this with open arms. Drummer Carl Tudèn gets to show his skills here with his imaginative way of playing building up for a neat keyboard solo by Hedström.
‘Don’t Wait For Salvation’ is another personal favorite where AOR meets powerful Hard with a stadium feel and a sing along chorus. The guitar solo makes you think John Norum’s solo album Total Control.
‘Start A Fire’ has that lovable Scandi keyboards all over and very melodious vocals, pumped as well by a fat bass line.
Those are just a few highlights in a brilliant album full of them. ART NATION has recorded a great debut in “Revolution”, with all the ingredients to make the fans of the genre rejoice.
The guys easily blend Melodic Rock, AOR and Hard Rock (all with a typical Scandinavian sound) into really well crafted songs.
Immaculately produced, “Revolution” is a really good contender to any 2015 best of list.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Ｍａｒｑｕｅｅ ／ Ａｖａｌｏｎ 【MICP～11363】
1 – Need You To Understand
2 – 3000 Beats
3 – I Want Out
4 – Number One
5 – Don’t Wait For Salvation
6 – All The Way
7 – Start A Fire
8 – Moving On
9 – Here I Am
10 – Look The Sky
11 – Wage War Against The World
12 – All In
EXCLUSIVE BONUS TRACKS for JAPAN:
13 – Leave It All Behind (Previously Self-Released)
14 – Don’t Wait For Salvation (Demo)
15 – All In (Demo)
16 – Number One (Demo)
Alexander Strandell – Vocals
Christoffer Borg – Guitars
Johan Gustafsson – Guitars
Simon Gudmundsson – Bass
Theodor Hedström – Keyboards
Carl Tudén – Drums