Formed in London, based in Sweden and since 2016 supplying heavy rock with bite, The Riven are about to release the next chapter to prove their positive growth and development. The new album, Peace And Conflict (out now) is a suitable follow-up to the very strong debut, the EP Blackbird, and full-length, self-titled album in 2018.
With a (relatively) new drummer, Jussi Calla, joining Totta Ekebergh (Vocals), Arnau Diaz (Guitars) and Max Ternebring (Bass), they bring their 70s flavoured rock up to date with tracks like opener ‘On Time’ – like a new old NWOBHM song that could have been (keyboard-less) White Spirit… melodic, heavy and neat guitar throughout. The title track brings in hints of prog to keep it varied as the slow build-to-harmony vocals bring to mind everything from Floyd to Oldfield… in a good way. ‘On Top of Evil’ has another slow build with gentle Sabbath echoes and matching power as the climax is heralded by a simple but effective bass, followed by some great guitar playing. We also get an acoustic ballad, ‘Sundown’ where vocals and guitar combine to bring a pleasant, almost pastoral break before the closing track, the simply named ‘Death.’ Power chords supply the intro before gentle melodies take control and build to a heavier climax with an excellent guitar solo section.
This album may not break new ground but it is chock full of high-quality 1970s-tinged rock with sufficient variation and depth to make it a welcome addition to any rock collection.
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