H.E.A.T – ‘H.E.A.T II’
H.E.A.T
H.E.A.T II
Released on February 21, 2020 (Ear Music)
Review:
I need to start this review admitting that I’m really a big fan of this Swedish band since I’ve heard the self-titled first album, released in 2008. H.E.A.T became one of my favorite bands, and even more when I had the opportunity to see them live in London, in 2018, as an opening act for The Quireboys.
The energy, the passion and the high quality production are always part of the songs made by H.E.A.T and I honestly believe that H.E.A.T II might push the band into the mainstream of hard rock, especially considering the fact that they are back to their harder edge sound.
It’s easy to review this album — very easy. From “Rock Your Body” to “Rise”, the album audition flows naturally and after 45 minutes, you will probably consider to press the “repeat” button and listen to again the entire album. I would bet in this. In a recent interview with Sleaze Roxx, H.E.A.T lead vocalist Erik Grönwall mentioned that some of the songs from H.E.A.T II were actually written for the Address The Nation album, his first record as a H.E.A.T member in 2012, so obviously this recent record reminds the listener to the beginning of the “Erik era.” Nevertheless, I can go further. H.E.A.T II also reminds me of the first two albums when Kenny Leckremo was the singer. It’s the H.E.A.T melodic hard rock at its best.
I could mention a particular feature of each song of the album and believe me, most of them (maybe I can say all) are of the goose bumps variety. They had previously launched four singles — “Rise”, “One By One”, “Come Clean” and “Dangerous Ground” — and generated a good reaction with these four well chosen songs. But H.E.A.T II has many other excellent and exciting tunes for a total of 11 songs. “Victory” instantly became my favorite and actually is one of the best of H.E.A.T‘s entire catalog in my opinion. It’s definitely a song to sing along to. “We Are Gods” has strong lyrics and is the heaviest song of the album, while “Adrenaline” is so energic and intense with a catchy chorus. “Nothing To Say” is a beautiful ballad and “Under The Gun” is another stunning song with an excellent vibe.
After the “experimental” and modern ride of their previous album Into The Great Unknown in 2017, H.E.A.T are now back on track again in terms of their fine melodic hard rock. Maybe H.E.A.T haven’t had the recognition that they surely deserve considering the quality of their music and it’s time to explore new markets outside Europe, like the USA where they recently had a special moment during the Monsters of Rock Cruise and, why not, South America where I live. There is no better moment than now, with a very well-produced new album and a discography with another five great records.
H.E.A.T II deserves 10 out of 10 stars in my opinion. We are only in the beginning of April, but I dare say that the album will be in many Top 10 Rock Albums lists of 2020. Ask me at the end of the year!
Track List:
01. Rock Your Body
02. Dangerous Ground
03. Come Clean
04. Victory
05. We Are Gods
06. Adrenaline
07. One By One
08. Nothing To Say
09. Heaven Must Have Won An Angel
10. Under The Gun
11. Rise
Band Members:
Erik Grönwall – lead vocals
Dave Dalone – guitarist
Jimmy Jay – bassist
Jona Tee – keyboardist
Crash – drums
Production:
Produced by Dave Dalone and Jona Tee
Mixed by Tobias Lindell
Band Websites:
Official Website
Facebook
Reviewed by Otavio Juliano (from Brazil – Instagram @showsbyotavio) for Sleaze Roxx, April 2020
H.E.A.T‘s “Dangerous Ground” video:
H.E.A.T “Dangerous Ground” – New album “H.E.A.T II” out 21st February
H.E.A.T RELEASE 4th SINGLE “DANGEROUS GROUND” FROM THEIR UPCOMING ALBUM H.E.A.T IINEW SINGLE & VIDEO OUT NOW!Get the single here: https://heat.lnk.to/Dangero…
H.E.A.T‘s “One By One” video:
H.E.A.T – One By One (Official Video)
H.E.A.T – One By One (Official Video)Track number 7 and first music video from the album “H.E.A.T II”🎵Stream/Download here: https://orcd.co/q1y5nxj►Follow H…