MAD HATTER – Mad Hatter [Japan edition +2] (2018)

MAD HATTER is a new band from Sweden founded in 2017 by singer Petter Hjerpe and drummer Alfred Fridhagen. Taking their name and imagery from a character in ‘Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland’ (an 1865 novel by English author Lewis Carroll), the band are releasing their self titled debut album “Mad Hatter“, this Japanese version including 2 bonus tracks.

MAD HATTER press sheet proclaims that “the band produces high-quality power metal.” You already know during the last decade this genre has turned much more accessible, commercial.
Well, “Mad Hatter” isn’t an exception with many ’80s culture references as well, with one track bein lited as ’80s Synth Version’.

After its effects laden first minute, opening salvo ‘Mad Hatter Shine’ is a bombastic blast of European style power (melodic) metal that sets the atmosphere. Many will hear similarities with the Andi Deris fronted Helloween, and that’s a plus for me. If you’re gonna sound like another band, why not sound like one of the best!
At over eight minutes in length, ‘Mad Hatter Shine’ is a bold opener, but one that will have fans immediately hooked.
Energy, power and pace all increase tremendously as ‘Gunslinger’ flies out of the blocks and is a head bangers dream as it hurtles along
.
The more melodic side to Mad Hatter takes front and centre with ‘Dancing Light’, a midtempo melodic song. ‘Dancing Light’ is infectious and very catchy, and read this carefully: this song is melodic hard rock. As you see, the power metal genre blurs with catchiness these days.
For another proof, most the guitar solos on the album are performed by Rob Marcello (Danger Danger, Marcello/Vestry, The Defiants)

All energy levels rise up with ‘Fly Away’, featuring a slightly more screechy and wailing vocal delivery. Maybe the bands singer is trying to get away from an Andi Deris similarity discussion, a discussion that I am not gonna have.
Simply titled ‘Go’ – and boy does it go, and go fast – next song get your necks ready and brace yourself for some vigorous head banging. ‘Go’ is electrifyingly quick and a classic slice of European style power metal at its very best.

And the best the band have to offer just gets better and better, as the album continues forth with the much heavier ‘Phantom Riders’. Thundering along at a blistering pace, ‘Phantom Riders’ is the first of a triple barrage of power metal savagery.
Next up is the fierce ‘Face The Truth’, blending high velocity with out-and-out pace, then ‘Vengeance In His Mind’ is a tremendously addictive and mesmerising romp. I defy anyone to not be head banging, foot stomping and singing along to the (sing a long style) chorus, such is the songs infectiousness.

The melodic hard rock side of Mad Hatter makes a return with ‘Bring Me The Moon’, a pulsating midtempo barnstormer. And talking of barnstormers, ‘Mad Hatter Become’ is quick paced, vital, and quite heavy melodic.
As Japanese bonus track we have two different versions of the album song, being my favorite Dancing Light {80’s Synth Version}”. Nope, it isn’t a dance version, but a synth-filled, radio-ready version of the song which is already catchy

MAD HATTER, as many current acts from the tagged ‘power metal’ genre, goes for catchiness, pristine sound and accessibility on their self-titled debut. Don’t be afraid anymore by the ‘power metal’ sticker, “Mad Hatter” is heavy but melodic, various songs here veers over melodic hard rock hooks, edgy, but contagious.
Overall, a very good debut album, delivering a huge deluge of blazing riffs, intensity and an infectiousness second to none.
Strongly Recommended

01 – Mad Hatter Shine
02 – The Gunslinger
03 – Dancing Light
04 – Fly Away
05 – Go
06 – Phantom Riders
07 – Face The Truth
08 – Vengeance In His Mind
09 – Bring Me The Moon
10 – Mad Hatter Become
11 – Death Angel Sings
BONUS TRACKS:
12 – Vengeance In His Mind {Demo Version}
13 – Dancing Light {80’s Synth Version}

Petter Hjerpe – Vocals, Keyboards, Guitar, Bass
Alfred Fridhagen – Drums, Bacing Vocals
Eric Rauti – Lead Guitar
Magnus Skoog – Bass
with:
Rob Marcello – Lead Guitar

BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/IUCP-16291
.