M.ILL.ION – Back On Track

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the band, Sweden’s M.ILL.ION have reunited to release their 8th studio album Back on Track. Joining founding members Hans, CT, Marcus, and BJ, are Henrik Andersson on second guitar, and Magnus Rohdell on drums. According to M.ILL.ION, This is not a reunion of tired middle aged men for nostalgic reasons. This is for real and a serious attempt at creating great new rock music, to kick some classic ass on stage again and to have lots of fun doing it all! The band’s last studio album was 2011’s Sane & Insanity.

The Album

The opening song “Back on Track” serves as the band’s comeback anthem. It’s heavy on hooks and melody. “Rising” keeps the energy and catchiness flowing, plus has quite the cool musical interlude. “90-60-90” kicks off with a toe-tapping drum beat, soft organs, and a faint choir section. Once the guitars kicks in, the song shifts to a bluesy rock track. The chorus is instantly ingrained in your head.

“Sign of Victory” is full of driving guitars and layered vocals. M.ILL.ION goes dark and progressive on “Eye of the Storm.” Vocalist Hans Dalzon has a little Ronnie James Dio inflection to his delivery, and with the organ tones of Marcus Berglund, this track feels like a lost Rainbow cut. That classic Rainbow vibe stays alive with “Narrow Mind Land,” only this time the ride is more frantic.

The ballad “Lovely Eyes” touches ’70s Singer-Songwriter territory with its smooth delivery. Though vastly different than Kiss’ version, does the world need another song called “Doctor Lööv?” And a cheesier one at that? Meaty riffs and thumping bass dominates “Get Down to Biz.” “Candyman” ends the album on an even higher note than the opening track.

The Verdict

With Back On Track M.ILL.ION display a lot of musical diversity. While they are usually described as a Melodic Rock act, it’s clear that they wear other Classic Rock genres on their sleeves. If you’re new to the band, 15 tracks seem like too many songs. If you are a fan, 15 songs just isn’t enough after a 10 year break. Back on Track is a solid album that progressively gets better with each track. There is a stumble or two along the way, but the stronger songs more than make up for it.

Tracklist

1. Back On Track
2. Rising
3. Circle Of Trust
4. 90-60-90
5. Sign Of Victory
6. Judgement Day
7. Eye Of The Storm
8. Narrow Mind Land
9. Lovely Eyes
10. Burn In Hell
11. Doctor Lööv
12. Mother Earth
13. Get Down To Biz
14. Tear Down The Walls
15. Candyman

M.ILL.ION is

Hans Dalzon – Vocals
CT Rohdell – Guitar
Marcus Berglund – Keys
BJ Laneby – Bass
Henrik Andersson – Guitar
Magnus Rohdell – Drums