This 4-man band from Sweden with their debut Still Alive release, has indeed delivered an interesting product. Funny, but after listening to this CD 10 times or so, nothing jumps out as stellar (by today’s standards) from any of the instrument play. Benny Jansson comes across as a very average guitarist who periodically rips off a decent solo, Daniel Flores does nothing truly spectacular on the drum kit, and Johan Niemann fills nicely as the bassist, but likewise does nothing eye opening. Bjorn Jansson vocal delivery is nothing to write home about either … although, it can be said he performs consistently in his relative bass-tone style (similar to Evergrey’s Englund). Amid all of this mediocrity and average instrument play, the Still Alive CD ironically is a complete success!

How can that be? Good question. First, it starts with simply developing a solid chord pattern for each song (a la early day Black Sabbath), creating smooth flowing and logical lyrics with memorable choruses (e.g., Kiss), and staying consistent with a musical style and song structure (the best example being AC/DC). In the end, what Tears Of Anger may lack in raw talent they more than make up for in their songwriting ability, because the songwriting in Still Alive is as solid as anything released thus far in 2004.

Still Alive starts with a symphonic intro as part of track #1, “The Awakening,” making you think initially an intricate Black Metal or Symphonic Metal album may be at hand. After this intro, “The Awakening” takes shape and serves as a strong opening track to this album, showing quickly the band’s ability to set strong chord patterns, lyrical meters, and catchy choruses that mesh in well with the overall song structure. More of the same is provided with “Still Alive” and “Afraid Of The Dark” … definitely a very solid 1-2-3 punch.

The only hint of “weakness” (song wise) comes via track #4, “Sword of Sorrow.” This song starts out with an extended mellow intro that gets stale quickly before finally taking shape with a musical pattern and flow. Even this “weaker” song is no disaster, especially due to another strong chorus. Tears Of Anger kicks back into its Melodic/Power mode with the 5th track, “Nightmare” and never looks back through to the 11th and final track.

Unfortunately, the production quality is as average as the musicianship within this CD. Although stellar production quality is always a nice perk to any album, the “average” recording undertones apparent in Still Alive really don’t take away from one’s ability to enjoy the superb songwriting skills of this quartet. Check out this album … you’re bound to enjoy it!

Learn more about Tears of Anger by checking out their Web site.

REPORT CARD:
Guitars: C+
Bass: C+
Percussion: C+
Vocals: B-
Lyrics: B
Recording Quality: C+
Originality: B
Overall Rating: B+
Release Date: 1st Half of 2004