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OSUKARU - Starbound - 9/109/10
Summary
AOR Heaven
Release date: October 22, 2021
[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]
10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.
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User Review
( vote)The Backstory
Starbound is the 6th full-length album by Swedish Glam Metal band Osukaru. Osukaru got their start 11 years ago and was initially built around guitarist Oz Hawe Petersson (then known as Oz Osukaru). Following two EP releases, their debut album Salvation dropped in 2012.
As Osukaru performed more and matured, they also became more of band versus just a project built around their guitarist. By the time their 3rd album Transition was released, the band found themselves adding a little harder edge to their Melodic Rock sound. Starbound is Osukaru’s first album under the AOR Heaven label.
The Album
Osukaru kick things off with a battle cry in the name of “Starbound.” This high-energy track has the band envisioning their own future. “Rise of the Underdog” is an uplifting track about overcoming the odds. The song is full of great vocal melodies from all involved. Meaty riffs and clean arpeggios lead the charge on “Tainted Heart,” while vocalist Fredrik Werner gives the track warmth and emotion. The chorus is an over-the-top power surge.
The power ballad “Somewhere Sometime Somehow” could have easily appeared in one of your favorite “Brat Pack” movies of the 1980s. Oz Hawe Petersson proves he’s the master of his instrument with the ever changing riffs and licks of “Joker (In The House of Cards).” While Osukaru presents another inspiring song with “Go For the Legends,” there seems to be a connection getting lost in the translation.
You can’t go wrong with a ‘whoa oh oh’ song. It almost guarantees a sing-along. “Shut It Out” is that song. “Within the Depths of Love” feels like a lost Bon Jovi ballad with it’s clean guitars and its pulsing bass. “All Up” is a driving track led by soft keyboards and heartfelt vocals.
The Verdict
If you grew up in the 1980s or even wished it was the decade you grew up in, then you are sure to love Starbound. The album is not only full of inspirational and uplifting songs, but its also jam packed with guitar riffage galore and melodies that rival your favorite radio stars of that era.
Tracklist
- Starbound
- Rise of the Underdog
- Tainted Heart
- Somewhere Sometime Somehow
- Joker (In the House of Cards)
- Go For the Legends
- Shut It Out
- On the Streets Again
- Within the Depths of Love
- All Up
Osukaru is
Oz Hawe Petersson – Guitars
Fredrik Werner – Vocals, Guitars
Olof Gadd – Bass
CD – Drums
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