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Art Nation: Inception
Art Nation - Inception Album Art

Art Nation: Inception

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 06.06.2023 | Released: 09.06.2023

After a four year hiatus, Sweden's Art Nation returns with their fourth long-player, Inception. The album comes after some highs and lows for the band. The latter mostly from the COVID pandemic, yet also from past band troubles. Of better interest are the high points. Co-founder and vocalist Alexander Strandell has been busy recording two (excellent) albums with Sweden's Crowne. Because of his participation, Frontiers Music encouraged him to consider a new Art Nation album. And so, the second high: Strandell got the band back together, reuniting with guitarist Christoffer Borg, bassist Richard Svard, and drummer Alexander Lundgren.

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Art Nation

Like Crowne, Art Nation plays classic melodic hard rock with definitive AOR accessibility and, perhaps, some metal edge. Fitting their chosen genre, the song arrangements are packed with the necessary elements: rock rhythm and groove, strong guitar and vocal harmony, memorable refrains, and superb solos. In this context, two things rise high: Strandell's strong melodic vocals and Borg's terrific, no, killer guitar solos.


Suffice to say, Art Nation has the skills and talents, the enthusiasm and ability, to create fine AOR melodic hard rock. To that end, Inception is a solid and consistent album of the same with great songs. Looking for something heavier? You'll find it with Light The Fire, Brutal & Beautiful, or the fast and heavy Fight Fire With Fire. Another swift and sharp rocker with plenty of groove arrives with Somewhere I Know I Belong. Very awesome guitar solo, too. For songs that bump up AOR accessibility and groove, listen for 1001 or Break Up. Surprisingly, there's not a single ballad. Huh? No matter. The album rocks.

All said, and simply, Inception is a fine return to form for Sweden's Art Nation. This is well-crafted and entertaining classic AOR melodic hard rock. Easily recommended.



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The Take Away

All said, and simply, Inception is a fine return to form for Sweden's Art Nation. This is well-crafted and entertaining classic AOR melodic hard rock. Easily recommended.

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