| Musical Style: Modern Melodic Hard Rock | Produced By: All For The King |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: Sweden |
| Year Released: 2017 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 80% |
| Running Time: 37:38 |
When initially presented with the opportunity to review the fall of 2017 self-titled debut of Sweden’s All For The King, expectations were modest. Another cookie-cutter modern rock band? Yawn. Closer look, however, reveals more than meets the eye, and that is the presence of vocalist Ricard Hulteke, whom many will recognize from having fronted the melodic power metal to the Empire 21 self-titled debut from the fall of 2014. Repeat listen sheds even further light in that while All For The King no doubt falls within the modern category, it also touches upon enough melodic metal and hard rock sentiments (not to mention the occasional inclining towards guitar soloing) that allows it to fall within the Angelic Warlord style guidelines, even if just barely.
Not to be disrespectful, but I am sure many are aware how Angelic Warlord eschews much of what falls within the ‘modern rock’ category due to the forms all too much sound alike proclivity, at least to these ears. I should not complain in that I am certain many modern rock devotees feel the same about the melodic, power and progressive metal that we cover. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder either way, right? That, however, is beyond the point in that the few instances Angelic Warlord has strayed into modern territory is to cover a band that, well, proves modern and a whole lot more and in the process has the better chance to appeal to our readership.
The World Will Burn is one such act, with both its albums, Severity (2016) and RuiNation (2017), touching upon a grungy modern to straightforward hard rock sound not unlike Bride’s 1997 release The Jesus Experience, which should not surprise in light of how The World Will Burn is fronted by Bride vocalist Dale Thompson. Another group to deserve mention is White Lighter, which in normal circumstances I might pass on the alternative to modern flavorings to its 2014 self-titled debut if it were not for the Ozzy influenced lead vocals of Mark Solomon, whom gained renowned as front man of punk acts The Crucified and Stavesacre. Of worthy note is also Sins Of A Nation from how it amalgamates a modern metal sound (on its 2011 self-titled release) with a lead vocalist a near dead ringer for Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) and guitar soloing in abundance.
Which brings us back to All For The King and its distinctive brand of modern infused melodic hard rock, as I like to call it. Powerful opening cut “I Am God” is a good indicator in this regard with its commercial hooks galore, as all the hard rock guitars you could ask for (as found in its driving verses) align with warmer acoustic sentiments (noting the immediate catchiness to its refrain). Hulteke’s at times raspy and others melodic vocal delivery aligns with the emotional scene.
“The Old Man” ensues and is of equal caliber, mirroring similar levels of heaviness with its bludgeoning bass and strong-will guitar presence but also matches in terms of melody with more hooks of a radio friendly capacity. Not unlike “I Am God”, I challenge you to keep this one out of your head with repeat listen! Two songs in and the precedent has been set as it pertains to the All For The King penchant for constructing catchy melodies of the highest order.
Quality dips (even if slightly) for “I Belong To You”, which is not necessarily due to overlooking the groups signature melodies (they are not misplaced) but rather from its short two and a half minute length. Musically, it proves up-tempo in blending a melodic guitar focus and lucent keyboards with distinct hints of the acoustic. Problem, however, is how it ends a bit abruptly at the end of its instrumental break when another verse or chorus might have better rounded it out.
Better is “Never Back Down” which tempers initiative with its mid-paced form. The song underscores an arresting low end with Johan Tjernström’s bass setting the plodding tone, but also elevates equal hooks, as found in the lighter lacings to its worshipful melody. Impression left is how this one comes across heavier than it actually is, which by no means is a bad thing (neutral observation actually).
Fifth cut “Not Ashamed” is another showstopper that also stresses the mid-tempo but with some straggly grunge aspects, at least for its thickset verses. Ambience, on the other hand, composes for the all encompassing ‘He is the Way, the Truth, the Life and Lord of Lords’ refrain reflective of a soothing AOR sentiment. Of course, I love the final minute and a half closing instrumental break to feature bluesy lead guitar.
“Rules Of Love”, interestingly, opens to a quote from Saint Anthony the Great: ‘A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘You are mad; because he is not like them’. Hard rocking guitars cut in afterwards, with elevated bass bearing the toiling verses and impetus uplifting for a stylish chorus suggesting of the worshipful. In between both, rhythm guitars return to make an unabashed statement.
Album returns to an upbeat heading for “Alive”. The song moves its distance to guitars with a melodic metal bent, blithesome from its carefree mentality and intertwining of piano but equally moving due to Hulteke’s impassioned vocal presence. I detect a faint hint of the eighties- a very good things.
I also enjoy the bluesy leanings to “Going Blind”. Opening to a short drum solo, the song plows forward to towering bass and grainy guitars, only decelerating for the periodic subdued passage that flows in more composed fashion. Erik Tilling nails albums best stretch of bluesy lead guitar.
Albums two closing cuts are good as it gets. It begins with the albums title track, which represents the All For The King take on Psalm 23. The song begins to several seconds of medieval style Gregorian chanting prior to emboldened guitars setting the muscular tone the remaining distance, interweaving with Hammond B3 for the bruising verses and fanciful keyboards upon attaining the festive refrain.
“Salt Of The Earth” is also top of the line with its weighty and down tuned (almost grungy) feel. Ranking alongside the albums heaviest, the song plows forward with full on metal intensity that only diminishes as the occasional hint of piano gently decorates the backend. Tilling’s unreserved lead guitar at the end makes you wish he had cut loose a more like this.
All For The King composes some of the most upfront and forthright prose you will find. I feel it sufficient to include lyrical snippets of individual tracks to best reinforce this, starting with “The Old Man”:
I’m trying the best I can but sometimes I fall
I’m striving to live my life according to You
My heart is committed though I fail to be strong
My life is a process to become more like Him
Renew me again to the image of Christ
Set me on track and make me fly again
Also including “Not Ashamed:
I’m not ashamed of the One that I love
It is the power of salvation for all
Don’t have to travel ‘round the world to find peace
It’s right in front of us just open your heart
He is the way, the truth, the life and Lord of Lords
In addition to “Alive” –
In times of disaster,
I keep calling out Your name
When life is in shadows,
I keep hoping for a brighter day
Your presence is needed
Can’t breath here without Your love
I’ve tasted Your goodness
I need more come fill my despair
- and “I Belong To You”:
This world will do what it can to bring me down
This fallen nature will divide me in two
But this is not my home
I’m here for a while
My life is hidden in God
That is my hope
I belong to You
But those who do the will of God will remain
Nothing can separate me from my dear God
All For The King production is a thing of beauty from joining a prodigious low end with a near perfect mix of guitars, piano and keyboards. It does not get much better. Digi-pak packaging comes with an insert to include lyrics and liner notes. That said, cover art to feature the bands logo over a black background is somewhat plain in reminding me of the artwork to grace the Narnia comeback album from several years ago. I cannot help but think the group could have come up with something a bit more original.
If interested in a melodic modern hard rock album that places strong emphasis on catchy melodies then one need look no further than the self-titled All For The King debut. Yes, it is modern but also not to a fault when factoring there are enough metal and hard rock moments not to mention occasional guitar solo to warrant consideration. I find the album to feature five great songs, including “I Am God”, “The Old Man”, “Not Ashamed”, “All For The King” and “Salt Of The Earth”. Everything else is quite good with the possible exception of “I Belong To You”. Lone constructive comment is that for the sake of variety I wish the group had branched out and explored its bluesy side or at the very least included a ballad, which would fit nicely with Hulteke’s versatile voice. All things added up, All For The King will make a worthy addition to your collection and is well deserving of its honorable mention in the Angelic Warlord Top 20 Albums for 2017.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “I Am God” (3:29), “The Old Man” (3:14), “I Belong To You” (2:39), “Never Back Down” (3:23), “Not Ashamed” (4:28), “Rules Of Love” (3:25), “Alive” (2:53), “Going Blind” (4:20), “All For The King” (5:10), “Salt Of The Earth” (4:38)
Musicians
Ricard Hulteke - Vocals
Erik Tilling - Guitars
Johan Tjernström - Bass
Richard Tonyson - Drums.
