TOXICROSE – Total Tranquility [Japan Edition] (2016)

Swedes TOXICROSE released a promising EP four years ago, and then nothing… but they are back with vengeance with the band’s first full-length album “Total Tranquility“, a splendid record mixing old school sleaze with more modern rocking sounds.

With so many sleaze type bands seemingly retiring permanently (or temporarily) from Crashdiet to the iconic Mötley Crüe, it is simply fantastic to see a band grab the bull by its horns, take the mantle and run with it.
First, if you do not like sleaze too much, you better check “Total Tranquility”, as it’s much more than that. You have here some awesome hard rock grooves, hellish riffs, killer vocals (and multi-harmonies on the catchy choruses) and a monster production.

The band shows its teeth with the first track; “World Of Confusion” kicks-off the party and we have a the first winner with this big time in-your-face rocker that takes no prisoners.
Next, with “The Silent End Of Me” and the melodic “Killing The Romance” (love the middle section) we are dealing with two superb rockers, both fast-paced, aggressive tracks that features Andy’s TXR (lead vocals) bad-ass performances, some really tasty & punchy guitars and an overall late ’80s vibe for the extra flavor.

There’s an anthem in “Sinner”, then in “We Own The Night” I get the feeling that I’m listening to Reckless Love’s much heavier edition. Super catchy.
Despite its heaviness, “Reckless Society” (which reminds me Dynazty) include – as on most of tracks – keyboards / synths in the background which does not turn things bland, but add lots of color.
“Clarity” is perhaps the more melodic hard rock oriented tune on the album, very much in the Swedish present form with pumping bass lines, cleaner guitars and lots of vocal harmonies.

“Because Of You” find ToxicRose showing their more sensitive side in a ballad with pianos but still retaining the rocking grip.
Title track “Total Tranquility”, which closes the album, is yet another killer melodic modern hard rock gem that features a haunting melody and various passages, all interesting and really original.

ToxicRose’s “Total Tranquility” will surprise you.
It’s a kick ass rocking record plenty of great songs, second-to-none musicianship, powerful vocals, aggressive guitars, huge melodies and an overall bombastic production that will grab you at once.
Think Swedes Eclipse / Erik Mårtensson blended with early Dynazty and you get the picture.
Awesome record.

01 – World of Confusion
02 – The Silent End of Me
03 – Killing the Romance
04 – Sinner
05 – We Own the Night
06 – Reckless Society
07 – Clarity
08 – Because of You
09 – We All Fall Down
10 – Total Tranquility

Andy TXR – lead vocals
Tom Wouda – guitars, backing vocals
Goran Imperator – bass, backing vocals
Michael Sweet – drums

BUY IT !
bsrshop.bigcartel.com/product/toxicrose-total-tranquility-lp-ltd
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