Graveyard - Hisingen Blues

Review by Jason Guest



Comparisons with Led Zep are inevitable when a band chucks together a bunch of blues rock tunes. At the merest mention of another assembly of wannabe imitators, every note, every drum beat, fill and flourish, and every word is meticulously scrutinised to see if the contenders for the title are indeed worthy to take on the challenge of wresting the mighty hammer from the Gods’ grip. Gothenburg’s Graveyard needn’t worry about the former, or the latter for that matter. One listen to this album will stop elitist critics in their self-righteous tracks because every note and every word will command their attention.

There are countless bands out there right now trawling through every 70s classic rock album they can lay their hands on in the hope of somehow distilling that much-sought after elixir that will turn their Led-en riffs into gold. Graveyard has beaten them to it. Their sound is steeped in pre-heavy metal classic rock: tasty drumming, dirty blues bass, chilling blues licks, the occasional shimmering Hammond organ, and hauntingly powerful vocals. The songs sound natural, organic, and thankfully avoid the clichés so many others rely upon, retaining a healthy dose of spontaneity that gives the album a live, played-together-in-the-studio feel. This is Sabbath meets Led Zep meets the Rolling Stones meets Meddle-era Pink Floyd meets every other classic rock band from the 70s. However, at no point is it possible to put your finger on exactly who it is that they are emulating, such is their mastery of the 70s sound.


From the up-tempo opener “Ain’t Fit To Live Here”, through the psychedelic-infused title track (where Lucifer makes his obligatory appearance), into the melancholic “Uncomfortably Numb” (the title a clear nod in the direction of one of their heroes), across the Spaghetti Western landscape of instrumental “Longing” up to closer “The Siren”, the sound is fluid, powerful, emotive, and fucking breathtaking! Coupled with an analogue production that gives the album the warmth and feel of two-inch tape committed to vinyl – quite an achievement in the face of the digital era, pro-tools, and all things ostensibly “retro” – this is a must for any self-respecting rock fan. Inspired and intoxicating.



9 out of 10

www.myspace.com/graveyardsongs