WILDNESS – Avenger (2025) *HQ*
From the burgeoning Swedish melodic hard rock scene, since formed in 2014 WILDNESS has released their first two albums via German label AOR Heaven, then signed a multi-album deal with Frontiers Music in October 2021. “Avenger” is the band’s second effort for the Italian record company, and their 4th overall.
With influences like Dokken, Def Leppard, KISS, FM, Europe, Talisman and stuff like that, WILDNESS’ focus is to carry on the classic melodic hard rock / AOR torch to this current age. ”Avenger” has eleven tracks offering a nice blend of these genres with a couple of tracks adding a welcomed heavy edge, and musically results a big step forward with more elaborate arrangements then before especially on the guitar work, not forgetting the catchiness and hooks.
The new album opens with Wings Of Fire, reminiscent of mid 80s melodic rock a la Europe. Good stuff without breaking any boundaries, some lovely twin guitar work. Next up is Crucified, an absolute whopper of a new single. Think how many dozens of bands this track reminds you of, but it’s such a timeless-sounding, classic slab of tuneful AOR. A simple composition but insanely addictive.
Broken Heart continues with the melodic Scandi sound. It’s hugely tuneful, again massively radio-friendly and anthemically crowd-pleasing without seeming to break sweat innovation-wise… but then again, why change such an apparently entertaining, popular style? – it’s got “sound of the summer” written all over it. If you blink, you miss the brief bluesy solo that separates Broken Heart from its successor Caught Up In A Moment, a number full of sweet AOR melody.
Wasted Time feels different in its arrangement, so Bon Jovi in its vocals, another whopper of an arena-rock beast. Really great singing from Erik Forsberg and a sense of the Pat Benatar Band in its overall sound make this another very catchy track, with more adventure in the arrangement and production.
Then we have the title track, Avenger, an old-style mid-Eighties Judas Priest-like hand-banger to get the juices flowing. Pacey, energetic, another cracking solo, this would be the obvious opener for a live set.
Poison Ivy takes the mood down a fraction, a meaty rock ballad with very tight harmonies throughout, another very 80s track, decent enough. I’ll Be Over You is quite slow too, some nicely echoing, jangly guitar lines the counterpoint to Erik’s really strong vocals. Erik really does grasp the nettle vocally on this record, his voice is so strong in that classic 80s rock mold.
Stand Your Ground by contrast pays tribute to classic Scandi hard rock pioneers like Talisman or 1987 Yngwie Malmsteen in its relentless break-neck energy, full-on vocals, breathless drums and bass, not to mention some fiery guitar work. It’s a cracker! And a welcomed variation in style for WILDNESS.
Eye Of The Storm brings us back down to a chug-along meter, strong riffs, bursts of lead, a characteristically clean, sharp, slightly hollow mix, although the different take on percussion in the mid-section plus a cracking solo lifts it above the mediocre.
The closing track Walk Through The Fire is again a little different, it’s got a characterful intro, a driving rhythm and huge chorus that perfectly reflects the classic melodic, anthemic side of the band, augmented by the two guitarists going head-to-head in their dueling.
All in all, WILDNESS’ “Avenger” is hugely melodic, anthem-friendly, crowd-pleasing stadium rock.
This is an album for all lovers of ’80s Swedish melodic hard rock showcasing the band’s maturity and adding variation on the songwriting. Great production, great playing and some awesome songs. This will get a lot of listens from us throughout the year.
Highly Recommended
01 – Wings of Fire
02 – Crucified
03 – Broken Heart
04 – Caught up in a Moment
05 – Wasted Time
06 – Avenger
07 – Poison Ivy
08 – I’ll Be Over You
09 – Stand Your Ground
10 – Eye of the Storm
11 – Walk Through the Fire
Erik Forsberg – Vocals
Adam Holmström – Guitar
Pontus Sköld – Guitar
Marcus Sjösund – Bass
Erik Modin – Drums
BUY
www.amazon.co.uk/AVENGER-WILDNESS/dp/B0DM6GRVNC
