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Degreed: Dead But Not Forgotten

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

4.5/5.0

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Sun Hill Production
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 05.06.2015

Formed by Swedish Idol finalist Robin Ericsson some 10 years ago, Degreed is melodic hard rock band from Sweden, arriving with their third album Dead But Not Forgotten. Having neither heard of the band or their music, I've been more than a little impressed with Degreed (rendered: degreed).

Degreed

My initial reaction was that their sound reminds of tradtional AOR melodic hard rock, and that certainly forms the foundation. But there's also a sharp edge to their music that bends them slightly to melodic metal. You'll hear this within The Scam, Kill Your Darlings, Forgive You, although it doesn't start that way. Additionally, there's somewhat of modern alt rock tone to their music. Mostly, this comes from the brisk sharp riffage, the synthesizer embellishment, and the vocal arrangements which have, to varying degrees, echoing and gang vocals. Touch Of Paradise is a good example of the latter. Essentially, degreed is straight up melodic hard rock, quite catchy at that, with emphasis on melody, harmony, hooks in lyrics, refrains, and arrangement. And there's an abundance of guitar solos, something that leaps them out of much of the current alt/indie band camp. Fall Out Boy couldn't handle any of this, especially with the guitar work. Yet, degreed could appeal to those same FOB fans as well as those of us who grew up on a diet of Eighties hard rock. Other top rockers include Drama, Turn Around Don't Back Down, and Face The Fact. Surprisingly, there's not a single ballad here, though I think degreed could write a terrific one if called upon. Otherwise, degreed's Dead But Not Forgotten is solid stuff: quality AOR melodic hard rock that's engaging and entertaining. Recommended.

Degreed - Inside Of Me (Official Video)

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degreed's Dead But Not Forgotten is solid stuff: quality AOR melodic hard rock that's engaging and entertaining. Recommended.

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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]