KINDRED NORTH – Kindred North

Kindred North are a multinational hard rock group formed by Swedish vocalist / guitarist Andi Kravljaca and Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Andreas Nergård. The group’s bio describes them as, “Two lifers. No safety net. Pure ‘80s fire for the modern age.” Sure, let’s go with that. Unfortunately, their self-titled debut album, which will be released on August 21, 2026 through Pride & Joy Music, isn’t exactly filled with headbangers from start to finish. While there are ‘80s elements in their music like big synthesizers, shredding guitar solos, and pounding drums, Kindred North aren’t an ‘80s-driven hard rock group. They made it perfectly clear with the bio also emphasizing that the goal isn’t nostalgia. However, Def Leppard’s X (2002) album has more edge than Kindred North’s debut album. The latter is too poppy and sugary sweet. It would have better luck at a college rave than an underground rock scene.

Unintentional Pop Album or Rock Album with No Edge

If judging purely on the songs without taking the genre into consideration, however, the songs are well-written. Cheesy lyrics, but well-written with gorgeous melodies and infectious hooks. “Natural High” has a good driving beat, the vocal melodies are infectious, and in another life, it would’ve been a hit on the synthwave music charts. “Learn to Love Again” is a power ballad about moving on from a past relationship. Not a groundbreaking topic to cover, but the song is structured beautifully, everything from when the drums come in on the second verse to the haunting guitar melodies. Also, there’s a line in the second verse, “To make me feel whole again,” with such lovely vocal harmonies.

“Walk Through the Fire” is a positive and an uplifting song with a fist pumping feel. It’s got a great hook, a piercing guitar riff, and a good message about never surrendering in the face of difficulty. “Dance the Night Away” has a dreamlike feel that’d be perfect for a nightclub with a DJ providing the beat. Kravljaca and Nergård have a good ear for melody, which is why all of their songs have commercial appeal that would work well on the pop charts. Their usage of keyboards and synthesizers also broadens the group’s commercial appeal. “It’s Hard to Say Goodbye,” the album closer, is the second power ballad on the album. The song is executed beautifully with somber vocals, a hard-hitting chorus, a dark and picturesque atmosphere, and orchestral guitar melodies. The song ends beautifully with a fade out alongside a blazing guitar outro.

Final Assessment

As mentioned before, while there are elements of ‘80s music present on Kindred North’s self-titled debut album, it is far from an ‘80s hard rock record. It sounds like a record that was made in the 21st century with bright production and modern technology. It’s obvious that Kravljaca and Nergård studied ‘80s hard rock bands like Dokken, Bon Jovi, and Europe, but Kindred North’s debut album is more fitting for the current times. They did play all the instruments on the album, so they get props for that. As a side note, one of the songs, “Divine,” melodically is reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s “The Lost Children” because of its grand choir feel. For those who are interested in carefully orchestrated pop songs, except for “A Guiding Heart” (which lacks momentum and goes on forever), with electric guitar riffs, give Kindred North’s debut album a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. A Guiding Heart
2. Natural High
3. If This Is Love
4. Learn to Love Again
5. A Billion Miles Away
6. Walk Through the Fire
7. Dance the Night Away
8. Runaway
9. Divine
10. Lose Control
11. Hard to Say Goodbye

Band Lineup

Andi Kravljaca – lead vocals, and rhythm and lead guitars
Andreas Nergård – keyboards, bass guitar, and drums

Check out the music video for “Lose Control” from Kindred North’s self-titled debut album!