I’ll admit that Eclipse sits in the category of band that I enjoy live but would rarely listen to on record or digitally. Live, they are a dynamic force, as proved in recent weeks by their high octane show at Stonedead Festival, where many touted them as band of the weekend. Their glorious harmonies and melodic hard rock don’t always fit with what I listen to, my tastes veer towards grittier and heavier genres, but there is no doubting that Megalomanium II is a fine polished release that will do nothing but raise their profile still higher. Whether they need any elevation is open to debate, but the fact that after 25 years they can still perform such music is testimony to the drive and desire that still surges through the band.
It is the vocals of founder member Erik Mårtensson that lead Eclipse and stand them apart from many others. With co-founder Magnus Henriksson bringing the guitar work and the now established rhythm partnership of drummer Philip and brother Victor Crusner on bass, Megalomanium II sees Eclipse pick up where they finished in 2023’s Megalomanium. 11 rich tracks that all have radio friendly written over them, there’s a cleanness to the Eclipse sound.
The opening quartet of Apocalypse Blues, The Spark, Falling to My Knees and All I Want are all vibrant, up-tempo rockers that have catchy choruses, big hooks, and a slickness that would make them difficult to catch hold of, such is the polish with which they are delivered. Yes, there is a saccharine coating to the songs, with Mårtensson’s singing totally at ease with the style, but there is a bounce and pace that makes these anthemic tracks ideal for a good time.
There are still those emotional songs that Eclipse do so well, such the emotional Still My Hero, a track that would sit comfortably with bands like Those Damn Crows, Def Leppard and the like, and the inevitable ballad Dive into You, which is as cheesy as you’d demand.
Melodies are in huge supply, as are the hooks, and regardless of your view on their semi-Eurovision anthems, the musicianship is second to none. Aided by a huge production that enhances their sound, it’s no wonder that Mårtensson thinks the album is a bit good. “If you thought the title of our previous record was proof of us suffering from delusions of grandeur, then you’re absolutely right. The only way we could top it was to make another one. Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you, Megalomanium II.”
With every album, Eclipse is able to blend their traditional sound with new and innovative way to add subtle differences. “This band is on a continuous journey trying to find new avenues to explore. Having said that, Megalomanium II is probably closer to what people mostly associate Eclipse with. It’s filled to the brim with large choruses, beautiful melodies and some amazing guitar playing. I’m totally unbiased, by the way” says Henriksson.
And they finish with a bang. The brooding and heavy vibe of One In a Million is for me the best track on the album, and combines everything this band do so well in a finale that brings this fine release to a close.
Review and live photos by Hutch
Band photo: Martin DarkSoul
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment