New Music Review : Mad Max - 35 : Dangerdog Music Reviews : CD Album Music Review : Craig Hartranft

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Mad Max: 35

Melodic Hard Rock/Metal

4.0/5.0

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SPV/Steamhammer
Released: 10.08.2018
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 08.08.2018

It took me some research to understand the album title for Mad Max's latest album 35. Thirty-five does not refer to the band's existence which began in 1981; that would be 37 years. Obviously, since 35 is their twelfth studio recording, it doesn't refer to the number of albums they have delivered. But 35 albums would still be a Herculean effort. Rather, Mad Max is dating the album to the time that vocalist and guitarist Michael Voss joined the band in 1983. Nevertheless, even with some bumps and years of absence, 35 years is a long time to be in the music biz.

Mad Max

Suffice to say, Mad Max returns to the musical trade they know so very well: melodic heavy metal infused with a hard rock groove, then filled with passion and bristling guitar solos. After swollen guitar intro, Mad Max puts the power metal in their heavy metal with Running To Paradise. The quickness is a returning theme within Goodbye To You, Paris Is Burning, and Snowdance, which has some fine vocal harmony. With Beat Of The Heart, the melodic metal turns more upon AOR accessibility with the groove and chorus, while still laying down some tough riffs. Alternatively, Thirty 5 offers a lighter electric guitar start before dropping some big drums and bass for beat and groove, and then it moves with a heavy and steady pace. Already gone is a heavy rocker with thick riffs, yet it's also sweetened by tight vocal harmony and a catchy refrain. With False Freedom, another steady number, you might feel a little blues groove, but the vocal harmony steals the show. Throughout, as you would expect, the all the songs rise with exciting guitar solos.

Essentially, 35 is quintessential Mad Max and finds the band in fine form delivering quite enthusiastic and catchy melodic heavy metal. No surprises there. Easily recommended.

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