It's not very often when discovering a new, debuting band, that it totally knocks me over. So lo and behold, or rather listen, Mad Hatter from Sweden. 57 minutes of nothing too original, but very, very well composed power/heavy metal. And it sounds like it's been influenced by some great bands indeed.

Started in 2017 as a 2-man project by vocalist Petter Hjerpe (also in power metallers Morning Dwell, who put out 2 albums, in 2014 and 2016) and guitarist Eric Rauti (also in power metallers Dreamland, released three albums between 2005-2009). So judging by those two bands, Mad Hatter should sound like a mixture of Swedish and German melodic yet powerful power metal styles. And that's exactly how it is. Them two guys supposedly recorded the album, and later Morning Well drummer Alfred Fridhagen and bass player Magnus Skoog joined as live musicians.

So, the guys are not newcomers in power metal field, and it can be heard. The songwriting skills and performances are at least on a good level for most of the time. The vocals are multi-faceted. It is all clear singing, except for sort moment of raspier voice. Mr. Hjerpe can control his voice well, which is easily noticed because of his strong use of vibration, which does not get out of control like Edguy's Tobias Sammet. See, Hjerpe sounds a lot like Sammet at times, but his voice is a bit stronger. He doesn't hit the highest levels of Michael Kiske or Timo Kotipelto, but gets rather close. When it's time for lower voice, it reminds me of Falconer's Matthias Blad in a way. Anyway Mr. Hjerpe has enough of individuality in his voice and style, plus the vocal melodies aren't too familiar, but here and there. Bloody good, effortless work!!! At least some of the lyrics seem to be based on literature.

The songwriting is not very unique. However, there's variety, catchiness and ear for a good tune. The album starts with with longest song on the album, clocking close to 9 minutes. 'Mad Hatter Shine' starts with an ambient intro and travels through darker and melancholic yet epic paths of power metal, reminding me of the title song of Helloween's 'The Dark Ride' album. This darker side comes forth every now and then during the album. Despite the length of the longest song, the band never get progressive. 'The Gunslinger' brings in the positive and certain "hero" vibes, which have Swedish trademark stamped all over them, and there's more stuff like it later on. Then it is time for some pop style ethics, which surprisingly do not feel very cheesy. Actually, it does, like bubble gum rock "oh-oh-ohs"... Overally, Mad Hatter are far from most pompous or cheesy bands out there. German power metal comparisons do not stop on Edguy and Helloween, because fast high-energy piece 'Fly Away' reminds of Gamma Ray, too. Definitely some Kai Hansen style riffing and epic choirs here. And baroque sythesizer work smells of Stratovarius... 'Vengeance in His Mind' also goes into that category. So, it can be epic, catchy (almost poppy at times), speedy (bonus track 'Death Angel Sings' is lightning fast), heroic or dark.

The rhythm guitar sound is bruising and biting; this is metal after all! It fits in perfectly, giving songs rougher edges. The lead guitar is more airy. Some twin guitar parts remnd of Kai Hansen / Michael Weikath era Helloween. Loads of fast, shredding playing happening here! The bass guitar is there providing the backbone with the drums; both do their job well, if very much as expected. There are a lot of synthesizers, but mostly on background offering extra layers. The production job is clear, tense yet balanced between elements, organic enough, and powerful.

The album features a catchy bit after another. It is easy to get into the songs. It's almost an hour long, so maybe some cutting would have made it more tight. But what to cut? Not an easy decision... Is it too catchy and easy? Time will tell how well it can maintain its interest. 20+ listens done, and no sign of it getting boring... This is good work all around and easily recommended for power metal enthusiasts.

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/15/2018 20:56