Saving the planet from all manner of evil-doings is highly commendable but I can reveal that, like most superheroes, the trio that is Marvel all have a secret identity. Not only are they busy keeping us all safe in our beds, but they somehow find time to release some high energy rock ‘n’ roll as well. What's more, they hail from Sweden.
In fact, Marvel are three guys from Linkoping. When on the road playing rock ‘n’ roll, they are plain old John Steen, Ulrik Bostedt, and Tony Samuelsson. When saving the planet, however, they morph into Vocalo, Animalizer, and The Ambassador. What am I talking about? Marvel’s latest album Thunderblood Heart on Killer Cobra Records.
As soon as Thunderblood Heart arrived direct from Papa Bear (head honcho at Killer Cobra), I knew it would be a great ride. The cover and booklet alone are exceptional works of art. Designed as a comic book, it shows these superheroes in action and, even better, it contains a CD that will blow out your speakers.
Marvel date back to 2002 and their list of influences is long and eclectic, but essentially they play kick-ass rock, unleashing high-energy, high-decibel, power riffs as they should sound.
Opening with “Intro” (of all titles), Marvel move straight into one of the best tracks of the album, “Fringe Of Comfort.” This one doesn’t just whet the appetite; it turns on all the taps and drowns it. Thereafter, they fire off track after track of riff-laden rock. Marvel just don’t seem to know where the brake pedal is.
Only the slow-to-build “So Good Together” lets your pulse drop back to a level that isn’t dangerous. Meanwhile, “Girl, Where’s My Amulet?” is rich with chiming riffs, while “Code Of The Road” smolders like a fizzling firework. “Cagney Sans Lacey (The City Is Burning)” is another definite highlight. As well, “Willful Non Participation” kicks proverbial butt while “Mind Over Matter” and “Musta Fresta!” tap into Marvel’s marvelous ability to swamp a song with imagination.
With Thunderblood Heart, these superheroes give us economic-crisis-weary folks just what we need: Fun with a capital F.
It's not every day you can visit real live Superheroes. So go to Marvel's Official website or their Myspace Profile.
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