THOBIAS WIKLUND (feat Göran Edman) – Playing Loud (2020)

Swedish guitarist, composer and producer THOBIAS WIKLUND is part of classic metal bands Twilight Illusion and Nozanopra, but has a solo career as well. Together with the well-known singers Göran Edman (John Norum, Malmsteen, Cry Of Dawn, etc.) Peo (Staggerwing, Leviticus) he’s releasing his second solo album “Playing Loud”.

When guitarists make solo records, instrumental tracks are close at hand. “Lost In A Dream” and “Feelings To Explain” are possibly interesting for guitarists in particular, both strong, and melodic stuff.
However the numbers of interest are the vocal tracks, such as the catchy “We Will Rock” with a smooth Edman singing this 80s-style melodic rocker with ease.
“Fighting to the End” is heavier, and Goran gets more gritty and aggressive, there’s a Deep Purple / Rainbow feel here, and Yngwie comes to mind during the solo.

“Turn Back the Time” is just another 80s inspired tune as its title suggest with certain Boston inspiration, again with Edman giving his special touch. But the songs with Peo (Pettersson) are cool as well, such as the rocking “The Forgotten Kingdom” or the melodic “Breaking the Rules”, with some Talisman and Rainbow’s Joe Lynn Turner era to it.

“Playing Loud” is an entertaining piece of classic hard rock / melodic, wel composed and performed by competen musicians and experienced vocalists. Production could be better – different sessions obviously – but overall what matters is a good tune and all tracks are strong.
Easily Recommended

01 – Fighting to the End (feat. Göran Edman)
02 – The Forgotten Kingdom (feat. Peo Pettersson)
03 – We Will Rock (feat. Göran Edman)
04 – Turn Back the Time (feat. Göran Edman)
05 – Lost In a Dream (Instrumental)
06 – Mercy (feat. Göran Edman)
07 – Breaking the Rules (feat. Peo Pettersson)
08 – Life Must Change (feat. Göran Edman)
09 – Feeling to Explain (Instrumental)
10 – Turn Back the Time (Radio Version)
11 – We Will Rock (Radio Version)

Thobias Wiklund – Guitar, bass and keyboards
Göran Edman – Lead and backing vocals
Peo – Lead and backing vocals, keyboards, Hammond organ
Tomas Lundqvist – Bass
Mauritz Petersson – Drums and percussion

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www.amazon.co.uk/Playing-Loud-Thobias-Wiklund/dp/B08HDLPG4G