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February 2025

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[ More Music Reviews ]

Askvader: Askvader

Melodic Hard Rock

4.0/5.0

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The Sign Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 11.03.2020 | Released: 13.03.2020

Hailing from the musical capital of Sweden, Gothenberg, Askvader was formed as a power trio in 2017 by Jon Solheim (v,d), Martin Olsson (g,v), and Staffan Persson (b). The next year the band delivered a mini-EP with three singles to some acclaim and appreciation. Now Askvader returns with their self-titled full length debut album. Translated from Swedish, Askvader means thunderstorm.

Askvader

Musically, Askvader is channeling some serious Swedish musical history. They're fondly following in the footsteps of retro and straight up rock n roll bands like The Hellacopters, Turbonegro, and perhaps some Glucifer and Imperial State Electric. Several common musical threads wind their way through all these bands, Askvader included. One thread would be an organic, stripped down feeling to their music and the recording process. Think something like Seventies to Eighties lo-fi garage rock wrapped up in the energy of power pop. For Askvader, they blend together a combination of excitable riffs, speedy beat and groove, nascent song melody, solid vocal harmony, a dash of blues, and crisp guitar solos. And they do all these things within a compact and efficient three to four minute rock tune. Some quick paced rockers arrive with Thunderstorm, God's Grace, Nothing To Lose, and Elysium. For something like Devil's Feast, Askvader gets a bit more laid back and heavy as the pace slows and the riffs thicken for more steady rock. Within Give In, you'll hear a rich blues groove as once more Askvader slows down to grind and groove. All said, following in rich tradition of Swedish rock, Askvader delivers a solid album of the organic and energetic garage rock, infused with blues and power pop nuances. Recommended.

Burning Witches: Dance With The Devil

Heavy/Power Metal

4.0/5.0

We've know the camaraderie that lives within the underground metal community, with fans and bands alike. Traditionally all male metal bands might often refer ... [ Read More ]

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

Following in rich tradition of Swedish rock, Askvader delivers a solid album of the organic and energetic garage rock, infused with blues and power pop nuances. Recommended.

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