HYSTERIA – Back To The Oldschool (2017)
What you can expect from a band baptized HYSTERIA? And a debut titled “Back To The Oldschool“? Sure, classic hard rock with melodies upfront. This Swiss act was formed in 2013 and after some line-up changes, they are presenting their first effort.
Although you might think that HYSTERIA will sound like Def Leppard due to their band name there really isn’t much DEF LEPPARD to be heard on “Back To The Oldschool”. Well, maybe their early rhythm guitars style.
There are however many ’80s influences for sure.
It starts off with a very AC/DC (think Fly On The Wall era for the more polished sound) intro to the opening track “Heartwall”, but then the song turns more melodic in a HELIX vein. “Devil’s Little Helper” is more ‘Americanized’, with a little sleazy riffs and choruses.
You have some midtempo twin guitar melodies in the classic ’80s British fashion (bring to mind HEAVY PETTIN’) all over “Dead Man’s Walking” (a highlight), as well as a very ACE FREHLEY like sounding solo.
HYSTERIA delivers the obligatory ballad in “Groupie #1”, but it’s developed over a midtempo skeleton, somekind of that power ballads done by POISON or GUNS N’ ROSES at their heyday.
Then there’s an opening guitar riff that could have easily been on a TORA TORA album during the song “Overloaded”, the most hard rocking song from the tracklist.
“River Of Whisky” has a bit of early TYKETTO or TESLA, with some nice acoustics added to the mix.
Yes, HYSTERIA draw from many ’80s era influences, but you almost expect it from their debut title “Back To The Oldschool”.
Good songs and an overall LA / Hollywood feel are over these songs, well composed and performed – special mention to both guitarists, skilled and with a cool set-up sound – and very well Recorded & Produced by Mack (yes, the man behind some DEEP PURPLE, SCORPIONS, QUEEN epics, as well).
Two Thumbs Up!
01 – Heartwall
02 – Devil’s Little Helper
03 – Dead Man’s Walking
04 – Groupie #1
05 – Overloaded
06 – River of Whisky
Tom Hoochy Coo – lead vocals
Arni – guitar, backing vocals
Luca – guitar, backing vocals
Manu – bass, backing vocals
Mäse – drums
BUY IT !
www.fontastix.ch/de/alben/CD/HYSTERIA/BACKTOTHEOLDSCHOOL
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