HAREM SCAREM – Thirteen [Japan Ltd Edition SHM-CD + bonus CD]

Melodic Hard Rockers HAREM SCAREM returned after a long 6 years hiatus with their 13th original studio album cleverly entitled…“Thirteen”. This Marquee / Avalon Japanese limited edition on high quality SHM-CD includes as bonus track an acoustic version of the track ‘The Midnight Hours’, but also an exclusive bonus disc with with the band performances from the 2013 Mood Swings II tour.

After the Canadian’s comeback in 2013 with the release of ‘Mood Swings II’ – the re-recorded version of their career-defining album Mood Swings originally released in 1993 – Harem Scarem embarked on an international tour and reconnected with all the fans.
They were actually very pleasantly surprised about the level of interest in the band and decided to move forward.

Harem Scarem has been one of the longest standing true Melodic Hard Rock / AOR band for over two decades. They always delivered a strong and top-quality product, and “Thirteen” is not an exception.
They have no reason to re-invent the wheel here. If I had to find something different it does to sound a little more edgy in the production side, in other words, it sounds a little more rocking.

Harem Scarem maintain their massive hooks that are perfect for big arenas, and their trademark layered Def Leppard-esque vocals harmonies are present and correct right from the start and “Garden of Eden” sets out the band’s stall immediately.
Supremely catchy melodic rock is very much the order of the day and I can see the (admittedly shrinking) melodic rock audience going absolutely bat shit crazy for this one.

In truth ‘Thirteen’ is somewhat of an AOR masterclass, I particularly enjoyed the almost Queen-like guitar break in “Live It”, a song which digs into the brain like a mole burrowing in a field.
Midtempo “Stardust” is a little more modern, but the amazing classic melodies are all over it, while on the other hand, “Troubled Times” has the band’s traditional melodic hard rock approach of their beginnings.

Speaking about the exclusive Bonus CD, Harem Scarem offers excellent live versions of great tunes such as “Hard To Love”, “Sentimental Blvd.”, “Had Enough” and “No Justice”, showing how tight and oiled the Canadian band sounds today.

Harem Scarem’s “Thirteen” is just another very strong effort by the band full in big hooks and powerhouse songs. As usual, Harry Hess & Co. have produced a collection of outstanding compositions filled with plenty of memorable melodies and catchy choruses.
“Thirteen” is extra special because the songs flow seamlessly making the album a joy to listen to all the way through every time, thanks to its great balance of hard rockin’, melodic, ballad, acoustic sounds throughout.

This “Thirteen Limited Japanese Edition SHM-CD” worth every penny, and it’s a must have for fans of the band and Melodic Rock / AOR collectors.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Marquee / Avalon ~ MICP-20006
【ＬＴＤ ＳＨＭ－ＣＤ + ＣＤ】

01. Garden Of Eden
02. Live It
03. Early Warning Signs
04. The Midnight Hours
05. Whatever It Takes
06. Saints And Sinners
07. All I Need
08. Troubled Times
09. Never Say Never
10. Stardust
Japanese bonus track:
11. The Midnight Hours (Acoustic)

BONUS CD:
01 – Hard To Love
02 – If There Was A Time
03 – Sentimental Blvd.
04 – Stronger Than Love
05 – Mandy
06 – Had Enough
07 – No Justice
08 – Change Comes Around

Harry Hess – lead vocals, keyboards
Pete Lesperance – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
Darren Smith – drums
Stan Miczek – bass

BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/MICP-20006
.