HERO - Immortal

Εvery rule has an exception and Hero are the exception to the “rule” that Swedish bands have always great albums to offer. In this release Hero, or more likely Michael Hero’s personal band, present a mixture of melodic Metal and classic Hard Rock along with some gothic/dark elements. Some may think “melodic gothic metal from Sweden..that would be at least awesome” unfortunately things are not exactly so simple. There’s something wrong with this release. Although the compositions are “catchy” and radio friendly they sound a bit “fake” empty and meaningless. There are of course some interesting parts scattered here and there but I don’t think this alone could give some extra credits to the album. Michael Hero’s vocals are melodic with that baritone sound that characterizes the genre but they sound a bit odd. He doesn’t seem to be himself by singing like this so this has as a result to be sounding like a bad replica of HIM no one else can be Ville Valo anyway!
\r\nThe production is not so good either as Michael’s vocals and guitars seem to have the first role leaving the other instruments on the background. Generally “Immortal” is indeed an average album but I think that anyone interested should check it out. Sometimes is just a matter of taste.
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\r\nDimitris Karantounias\r\n