Hard Riot
The Blackened Heart

It is said that the first album by Hard Riot was highly successful. Now the german band are back, two years after the first success. This new album is called The Blackened Heart and features a fairly typical hardrock cover artwork. It reminds me a bit of their countrymen Unherz but in a darker hue. Stylewise they can also be said to be playing in the same league as said band. ”“Unlocked and loaded, ready to go! Harder, faster, stronger!” This basically sums up the heart and soul of Hard Riot. Heavy riffing, a remarkable voice and pure adrenaline and passion to fuel and inspire the audience!” that is what the label says, what about reality?

Straightforward no-nonsense hardrock with plenty of energy and heavy riffs. The voice isn’t that impressive unless you compare it to the vocalist of Nickelback because in that comparison he is absolutely brilliant. Then again, only an idiot would think this guys sound a lot like Nickelback. They sound much better, their sound is more melodic and the songs have life and energy, catchiness, it sounds like hardrock is supposed to sound. Pure and simple, hardrock with energy and catchiness as well as some melodic touches. Decent production, nothing overwhelming or original, just a fairly typical modern production that suits the songs very well. 43 minutes of playing, decent variation.

Impressive album, it has power, energy, catchiness and good melodies, everything you could desire from a hardrock album. But it is not only that, it also has depth making it last for many repeat listens, a really well made album in its simplicity. I like it a lot. I think it is not often you get to hear straightforward hardrocking albums that are this brilliant. It is a rare thing and it is not often I find albums of this particular genre that doesn’t offer any fresh perspective or show anything extraordinary in the production department to be this good, their songwriting is top notch.

Counting the great songs would require mentioning every song but there are a few that stand out a bit more. Blackout, Suicide Blues, The End, Count on Me and Last Godbye are the standouts, which makes it about half the album being great hit songs. I think this album should appeal to anyone who describes themselves as music lovers. Don’t miss it, it is brilliant.

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