There’s no doubt about the fact that H.E.A.T. is the most well-featured and popular hard rock band nowadays. Also, it is the most promising band for keeping the hard rock flame alive thus it goes almost without saying that every single release of theirs gather the spotlight. Add to this equation that the band’s original singer, Kenny Leckremo, returned and the overall situation becomes even more exciting. So the question remained: would “Force Majeure” be another remarkable album by the Swedish outfit; a worthy addition to their illustrious back catalogue? Let’s see…
For starters, H.E.A.T. had released a couple of years ago a stellar album, “II”, which is rightfully considered one of the best releases of the last few years. I guess that was an extra initiative as the opening track “Back To The Rhythm” is a spectacular, classic H.E.A.T song; it’s like the guys wanted to show that they are absolutely unaffected by Gronwall’s departure. “Nationwide”, “Hollywood” and “One Of Us” (probably my favorite cut on the album) and “Paramount” (with its obvious ABBA reference) are surely the highlights of “Force Majeure”. Yes, I could live without the Malmsteen-esque “Demon Eyes” or the indifferent “Harder To Breathe” but that’s just me and it’s not important after all. What’s important is the fact that Leckremo kicks ass, the rest of the band are absolutely on fire and the production crystal clear and powerful. What more can someone ask, really?
All in all, “Force Majeure” is yet another great record by H.E.A.T. It might not reach the quality level of “II” but it is sufficient enough to be a worthy contender for hard rock album of the year. Did you feel the heat? Personally, I surely have…
Highlight: Let’s see what the boys have in store for us now that Leckremo is back…
