Danish band, Shotgun Revolution, released two well-received albums in their homeland before the rest of Europe got a look-in. It was then that a pick of the tracks from those two releases hit the shelves in 2013.
Regardless of the name, it reassuringly builds on their 70s and 80s rock influences, which were used to good effect on the previous three releases. Shotgun Revolution delivers a solid punch with their recognisable but rewarding take on those glorious decades for rock.
This is confirmed with an earwax clearing riff on opener ‘Wormwood’ which is heavy, melodic and immediate. There is even a touch of latter-day Europe in the bluesiness and vocals behind the heft, a great start. That continues on the next, G’n’R-like ‘Enter The Fire’ but with some subtleties and hints of grunge to make it uniquely Shotgun Revolution. ‘Under The Surface’ is the obligatory but heavy and high quality near ballad as the band take it a bit easier but still fill it with a great bass line, riff, stinking (but too short) solo and chorus. The heavy ‘Claustrophobia’ reminds me a bit of Queensryche in a very good way with its complex and lovely and varied tempos and instrumentation. The penultimate track, ‘Cold Star Light’ is my favourite as it breaks the obvious patterns of the rest of the album; it has a majesty about it and is a beautifully constructed piece of heavy rock. ‘After The Storm’ wraps it up with more weight, melody and riffing that personifies this talented band.
You may find yourself making constant comparisons as you listen to each song as these guys wear their influences on their sleeves – but you will quickly realise that they only sound like themselves and they do it rather well.
IV will be released on February 5th 2021.
