After 2008’s self explanatory “Let The Metal
Do The Talking”, Swedish traditional metal
exponents OVERDRIVE deliver the most
pulsating album of their career with the
pedal to the metal bombast of “Angelmaker”.
This new album sees Overdrive pummel the
listener with their heaviest release yet.
Home to 12 tracks all of which will make any
self respecting metal fan throw the “horns”
in appreciation.
With a history dating back over 20 years the
line up has been consistent since their
initial formation in 1980, with the
exception of vocalist Per “PerilOz” Karlsson
who came onboard for the bands reformation
in 2003. This lengthy combined experience
between the band members makes Overdrive run
like a well oiled machine, locked in, loaded
and ready to unleash its metallic grit to
all generations of metal fans.
Lyrically the album deals with a variety of
topics, from catholic priests, vampires and
Indians to psychopaths and warnings of our
world going down the drain. While the title
track tells the gruesome story of the
Swedish angelmakers. A group of women who
“took care” of illegitimate children through
drowning, suffocation or starvation, being
paid for their services. The last angelmaker
was convicted in the 1920’s, yet still the
story is one that shocks.
The work on “Angelmaker” started in late
2008. Janne Stark (Locomotive Breath /
Constancia) started writing a couple of
tracks, “Thriller” and” Angelmaker”, which
set the style and approach. Then Kjelle
Jacobsson, Janne, Per Karlsson and Kenth
Ericsson started writing, each on their own.
Demos were made and finally the band sat
down together in February 2010 to select
from the 25+ songs that had been written. 18
songs were selected. Rehearsals began and in
May recordings started. With no hurry and
the aim of simply making this the best
Overdrive album ever. The drums were
recorded by Johan Blomström at Studio Sound
Palace, while the guitars, bass and vocals
were recorded at various studios. The
mixing, by Pelle Saether (Grand Design/Zello/Zeelion)
at Studio Underground in Västerås started in
July and in August the album was finished.
Next the band drafted 10 people to help
evaluate and select the final track listing
for the album which proved to be an
eye-opening experience for the band. In
November 2010 the album was mastered and
finished and an extension of the bands deal
with Lion Music was signed.
Given their pedigree and reputation it’s no
surprise to hear Overdrive enter the third
decade of their career hitting new heights
with “Angelmaker”; a slice of traditional
metal as good as you will hear in 2011.
Signs All Over (Stark/Karlsson) –
Kicks off the album with the pedal to the
metal! Classic double bass drums heavy
metal!
In Gut We Trust (Stark) – Heavy
stomper with an infectious soccer choir
chorus. The lyrics are about trusting your
guts, your inner feelings, instead of
technology and false prophets.
Angelmaker (Stark) – Another high
speed metal number with an evil riff. An
angelmaker was a woman who “took care of”
children born out of wedlock and made them
“disappear”. The last one was convicted in
the 1930’s in Sweden.
I Know There’s Something Going On
(Russ Ballard, arr: Stark) – A cover of the
Russ Ballard penned song recorded by ABBA’s
Frida in the 80’s, rejuvenated and
metalized.
Under The Influence (Ericsson/Karlsson)
– Maiden-influenced riff oriented fast metal
rocker which deals about a man trying to
suppress his morbid urges. Featuring the
classic Overdrive harmony guitars.
On With The Action (Jacobsson) –
Up-tempo environmental-friendly classic
metal.
The Light (Stark) – A song
originally penned by Janne Stark for the
latest Scorpions writing session. As the
Scorps wouldn’t have it, Overdrive would. If
it sounds a bit vintage Scorpions, it’s no
wonder.
To Grow (Karlsson) – Another fast
pace straight ahead heavy metal song with
some nice
variations.
Mother Earth (Jacobsson) – A
mid-tempo rocker with a heavy chorus
dedicated to the north American Indians.
It’s A Thriller (Stark/Karlsson) –
Up/mid-tempo metal influenced by Accept and
Judas Priest, heavy and mean!
Cold Blood Chaser (Stark) –
Riff-filled up-tempo rocker, a bit
influenced by vintage Riot (where the name
Overdrive also comes from). Lyrics that take
a twist on the vampire theme.
The Wavebreaker (Karlsson) –
PerilOz’s epic anthem that goes from its
soft acoustic intro into full heavy metal
mayhem, ending where it started. Loaded with
twin guitars. The perfect album closer.
• Strongest release to date from one of
Sweden’s most acclaimed traditional metal
acts.
• Janne Stark is a well travelled musician
and has a fan base from a wide range of
bands/projects.
• Reviews in all leading rock/metal press.
• Overdrive are available for interviews in
English or Swedish. Please send your
requests to Janne Stark directly at “janne@overdrive.se”
• Radio Station ID’s available on request,
email your requirements to “janne@overdrive.se”
stating preferred text, format etc.
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