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Harem Scarem: Thirteen

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR

4.0/5.0

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Frontiers Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 26.11.2014

Six years ago they broke up. Last year they got back together, and re-recorded their popular album Mood Swings as Mood Swings II. Then they the hit the road for some festivals and tour dates much to the delight of fans. Then somebody in the band said, "Holy shit! They still like us. Maybe we should record some new material." I'm not sure about that last part, but the long serving AOR melodic hard rock Harem Scarem is back with their thirteenth album, and not sparing any creativity they have named it ... wait for it ... Thirteen.

Harem Scarem

On the first pass, my impression was that this has to be one of the band's heavier albums. There's a real sharp edge from the start, notably from guitar riffage, but also the bottom end. Additionally, vocalist Harry Hess seems more raw than usual, especially when he's reaching higher. But generally, he's steady as usual. Also as usual, Harem Scarem wraps everything in their crafty and catchy melody, harmony, and groove. Some of the heaviest stuff comes at the start with Garden of Eden and Live It. But others songs, while heavy, bump up the groove and melody for that catchy AOR, like All I Need or Troubled Times. They go for optimistic arena anthem with Never Say Never, with it's sharp guitar line and Hess' emotional vocals. And there's a ballad with Whatever It Takes, which is also the lightest of all the songs. In other words, and basically, Thirteen is classic Harem Scarem, and fans will eat this up. Recommended.

Harem Scarem - Thirteen Trailer

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Basically, Thirteen is classic Harem Scarem, possibly a bit heavier melodic hard rock, but fans will eat this up. Recommended.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]