220 Volt

"Lethal Illusion", the 1997 release from the long running Swedish hard rock/heavy metal band 220 Volt, was the band's fifth overall album and their first release in nearly a decade. There are elements to the band's sound that remind at times of Treat, Baltimoore, Legs Diamond, and even Warrant. A pair of early 220 Volt demos from 1982 are tacked on to the end of Lethal Illusion. These demos ("Prisoner of War" and "Sauron"), are very rough, very metal, and would have made for a great Neat Records 7" during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene.

Swedes 220 VOLT released three quite good albums at the beginning of the '80s, with a classic Euro metal sound similar to the first Europe. But in the middle of the decade, their recording label saw a strong potential in 220 Volt to be launched on the prosperous American market. "Eye To Eye" was the result, and if you never heard this album you're missing something great. With the extremely talented Max Norman (Ozzy, Coney Hatch, Y&T) producing, mixing and engineering, 220 Volt obtained a punchy, glossy, awesome polished sound ready to conquer the world.

"Dark Hours" represents what this band is all about: great riffs, diesel-fueled rhythms, and spectacular melodies. The band sets its sights on the target and annihilates it every time. Few do it better. This album immediately grabs you by the hair and bangs your head around the room. There have been a number of appearances with Iced Earth, Saxon and Nevermore, and its fair to say that if you like these bands, you will definitely be getting into this new album from these Swedish chaps.

The much anticipated "Fall From Grace" is Lion's Share's third album, and after some difficulties regarding labels, the new CD has finally hit the streets. "Fall From Grace" is the most powerful, technical and interesting Lion's Share album so far. The band has without doubt grown and the new material is both more mature, well structured and worked through. Adding more progressive elements, variation and various arrangements was a very smart move and sees the band taking one step further in the right direction. The production is excellent, powerful and brings every instrument to its right. The band is technically brilliant and the vocals of Andy Engberg are as good as it gets.

Imagine the aggression and energy of Judas Priest mixed with the melodic songwriting of Pretty Maids and the technical skills of Racer X and you might get an idea of what this CD sounds like. Lion's Share are highly progressive, yet they are still heavy and don't forsake songwriting for technical wankery. As with any progressive band there are plenty of changes in tempo, riffs, mood, etc., as evidenced by the band's sophomore effort, simply entitled "Two". A solid CD from beginning to end.