MAD INVASION – Crack in the Sky

Swedish hard rock band Mad Invasion proudly avoided the sophomore slump with their second studio album, Crack in the Sky (2025), which is also a concept album. The secret weapon was former Motörhead and current Scorpions drummer Mikkey Dee, who guest starred on a couple of tracks from the band’s previous album, Edge of the World (2021). For every song he touches, Dee literally pounds the heck out of the drums, adding a much heavier vibe to Mad Invasion’s sound. For those who haven’t heard a lick of Mad Invasion, imagine if the Dead Daisies and Black Sabbath made a classic rock baby, that’s what they sound like! Weird description, but just go with it! In simplest terms, Mad Invasion have the melodic hooks of a classic rock band, as well as the heaviness and groove of a doom metal band.

Welcome to a Heavy Show

The album opens with “Welcome to My Show,” a line made famous by Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott because of their song, “Stagefright.” It’s an upbeat rocker to get listeners in the mood and pumped for what’s to come next. For a more dramatic shift, however, the band does a modern take on ‘80s doom metal with their title track. It’s got a ferocious groove, lots of attitude, and the guitar playing is stellar. Actually, Mad Invasion would be a great doom metal band if they ever decide to go down that path because they already have everything needed for that genre such as the heavy riffs, the dark lyrics, and lots of black clothing. Listen to the riff for “Crucifixion” because it sounds like something inspired by Tony Iommi. The backing vocals in the chorus also give the song extra flavor.

“Flesh & Blood” is also pretty heavy, but it’s more lighthearted and atmospheric, thanks to Hal Marabel’s airy keyboard melodies. More groove rock than doom metal, to be honest. Not a bad thing at all, however. “Danger Zone” is a good midtempo rocker that listeners can bang their heads to. The album closer, “Darkness in the House,” would make a great arena rocker because of its charismatic live feel and well-written chorus.

The Good and the Bad

As mentioned earlier, Mikkey Dee is a great addition to the band. In fact, his playing is almost front and center on the album, second to Pete Sandberg’s raspy vocals. The production is a blend of both the past and present, musically of the past, but sonically of the present, thanks to modern technology. Also, shoutout to bassist Mats Jeppsson because his dirty bass lines contribute to the groove aspect of the band’s sound greatly. A slight criticism is it’s hard to categorize Mad Invasion because one minute they’re doing typical classic rock anthems and the next, they’re doing heavy groove/doom metal bangers. A simple description would be they play rock ‘n’ roll. Another criticism is if Dee decides not to participate in the next Mad Invasion studio album, it would be hard to replace him because he’s an unbelievable drummer and again, he makes the band heavier. This guy was in Motörhead and King Diamond, after all.

Final Assessment

Overall, Mad Invasion’s Crack in the Sky is a very solid and enjoyable rock record with little filler. Despite not being able to categorize Mad Invasion genre-wise, as long as the songs are good, that’s all that matters. For those who are interested in good old rock ‘n’ roll from the ‘70s and ‘80s with a modern twist, give Mad Invasion’s Crack in the Sky a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Welcome to My Show
2. Crack in the Sky
3. Heat of the Night
4. Crucifixion
5. Voodoo Queen
6. Flesh & Blood
7. Blackness Calling
8. Master of Sorrow
9. God’s Coming
10. Danger Zone
11. Darkness in the House

Band Lineup

Hal Marabel – guitars and keyboard
Mikkey Dee – drums
Pete Sandberg – lead vocals
Björn Dahlberg – guitars
Mats Jeppsson – bass guitar