Coldspell is a brand-new band from Sweden, which was founded in 2005 by ex-R.A.W guitarist Michael Larsson. I don’t know what this guy has been doing since the demise of R.A.W, but the good news is that he’s now back with another solid melodic hard rock band and … an interesting debut album. Being the main songwriter, it is obvious that Larsson assumes control throughout the album. Describing the style of Coldspell is not so easy, as it is an amalgam of anything from the bluesy 70s till the contemporary 00s. What does it for me however is the great mix of power and melody, without copying a specific band. Most albums of Swedish bands are instantly likeable, but that was not exactly the case with this here “Infinite Stargaze”. But … the more I played it, the more it grew on me and now I can safely say that the 12 tracks have a lot to offer. Variety is the key word here and that’s what any album needs to be noticed among the bulk of releases. Among my favourite tracks are opener “Keep On Believin’”, the catchy rocker “Straight Things Out”, “Night Falls” (with Coverdale-like vocals from Niclas Swedentorp), “Shot Down” (with great axework from Michael Larsson) and the title track “Infinite Stargaze”. A great debut album! (CL)
 

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KYF (on 28/11/09) When I first heard the music & the vocals I assumed the band was from the U.S. or Canada, but I was way off. Sweden of all places. This is very mature rock & roll with a combination of pure talent, professionalism and class. The vocalist, (Niclas Swedentorp), is very talented, the real deal. The production, mix, and sound is superb. This release will stand the test of time in my personal playlist, a masterpiece. -KYF   Metal Mark (on 24/04/09) A bit late for my opinion here but I noticed no one mentioned the JORN sound of this CD. A bit of Gotthard, too. Great, classy soundin' melodic hard rock, indeed. I'm into it, BIG TIME!!!   Jez (on 8/04/09) WOW - This whacks you in the chops on first spin, what a great sounding disc. First and umpteen subsequent spins later and I am with alot of the reviews I have read on this one, that being there are some really cool tunes on here.There is a nice variation between the more Traditional 80's melodic rock/metal stuff on some and a more modern, contemporary approach on others. That being said, I also have to say that over the hours playing time and the 12 songs that you get on here, there isn't one that I would describe as a total killer track - loads of goodies for sure, but it just lacks the one or two knockout punches that would raise this one a notch or two from the good/very good, to the Excellent mark. Maybe next time, as this is definitley a very promising start indeed.   bratchet (on 23/03/09) Mediocre!   astonbob (on 16/03/09) heavy   Modulator (on 14/03/09) Very good but not THAT good!   guitarman (on 14/03/09) OK A PRETTY GOOD BAND WITH SOME GOOD GUITAR STUFF BUT NOTHING SPECIAL FOR ME.THINGS WE'VE HEARD BEFORE MANY TIMES.   les_said (on 8/03/09) Best newcomers of 2009?Well they have set the bar that's for sure.Almost hard rock/melodic metal perfection!   Metalrob4662 (on 2/03/09) I Love this album...can't stop listening to it! It has a sound all it's own..melodic, rocking, great guitar work, vocals and the production are all top notch!..One of my faves this year thus far. It's got the 70's mixed with the 80's but the production of the modern era!   YNGWIEVIKING (on 1/03/09) Very good album with some great tracks and no filler ! If you need your SCANDI MELODIC METAL fix, that's a fine one ! The balance between traditonnal 80's melodies and more contemporary production tricks, is perfect ! Fully agree with CL on this particular one !

 

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