CARE OF NIGHT – Love Equals War [self-released reissue +1] (2025) *HQ*

320 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2

Wonderful Swedish Melodic Rock / AOR act CARE OF NIGHT is reissuing by themselves their second album ‘Love Equals War’. As the record labels originally releasing the albums – AOR Heaven in Europe, and AnderStein Music in Japan – both disappeared, the guys decided to re-release on CD ”Love Equals War [self-released reissue +1]” including the original exclusive bonus track for Japan.
Carefully produced by Erik Wigelius, the 5-piece returned stronger than ever with a stupendous collection of new songs.

Formed in 2009 and premiered with an EP in 2013, the AOR community appreciated this first output which was followed by the self-titled full length debut that hit the record stores in 2015. After a that really good start, things cooled down a bit with line-up changes and challenges of life leading to a hiatus.

After three years Care Of Night awoke again and started to work on the anticipated sophomore album. ‘Love Equals War’ is the title of this new ten track release, featuring Vikor Öström Berg, Care Of Night’s new man on the six strings.
It feels like Victor brought a new dynamic into Care Of Night’s sound and music. Although keyboards are still all over the songs creating ‘that atmosphere’ needed for this musical genre, there is enough space for his rocking guitar riffs and melodic solos.

Songs like the title track and the faster paced ‘Hit’ are excellent melodic rockers with bite, and with ‘Cold as My Heart’ listeners get another treat for your melodious ears. Even the acoustic ballad ‘All I Got’ has its intense moments.
A song that ‘confirms’ the ’80s as a source for inspiration is entitled ‘We Will Find a Way’. The chorus shows some Bon Jovi influences from the era, however with in a strong Scandinavian style in the first H.E.A.T style.

To make another comparison, the initial chords in “Your Perfection” brings to mind TNT’s ‘Intuition’. Here is when vocalist Calle Schönberg gets loose and showcases his unique tone and ability to reach upper octaves. A terrific song in the vein of Care Of Night’s debut, yet more elaborated with complete instrumentation / arrangements.

Lovers of classy keyboard-driven Scandi AOR will go crazy with “Ivory Tower”, and also “Please don’t Leave” akin Europe circa 1986-88 in a song plenty of magic.
The choruses / harmonies on “She Leads you On” are to die for, then closer “At last” seems a simple melodic rocker at first listen, however is a cleverly arranged and executed song.

Perhaps Care Of Night take to much time to record this second effort and capitalize their momentum three years ago. Believe me, after listen to “Love Equals War”, it doesn’t matters.
This is a terrific Melodic Rock / AOR disc brimming with loads of hooks and well-crafted melodies, crystal clear vocals, polished / layered choruses and an overall feel-good ’80s vibe that every reader of this blog will adore.
HIGHLY Recommended

01 – Love Equals War
02 – Your Perfection
03 – She Leads You On
04 – All I Got
05 – Hit
06 – Ivory Tower
07 – Cold As My Heart
08 – Please Don’t Leave
09 – We Will Find A Way
10 – At Last
11 – Touch Your World [original bonus track for Japan]

Calle Schönberg – Lead Vocals
Viktor Öström Berg – Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Kristofer von Wachenfeldt – Keyboards, Vocals
Linus Svensson – Drums, Vocals

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