Long after the heyday of the Sunset Strip, the sound of dirty hard rock has continued to thrive in Scandinavia. In the past ten years, numerous bands including Fatal Smile, Crash Diet, Reckless Love, Vains of Jenna and Sister have appeared on the scene, looking like they stepped out of a limousine from 1989. Sweden’s Hardcore Superstar could be considered the forefathers of this rock revival, as not only have they been at it the longest, they’ve also been the most consistent. In their eighteenth year as a band, the Gothenburg sleaze merchants have delivered their tenth studio album, simply titled “HCSS.” While many bands that have been together that long tend to get stuck in a rut, Hardcore Superstar has constantly avoided this issue and has now released what may be their most experimental record to date.
Originally having more of a ’70s glam rock vibe, the band’s sound evolved to a heavier style by the time of the 2005 self-titled release. While the guitars became crunchier and there was more double-bass in the drum department, they maintained their melodic side, which has always been my favorite aspect of their music. This sound is definitely represented on “HCSS” with the album’s opening tracks “Don’t Mean Shit” and “Party ‘Til I’m Gone” as well “Off With Their Heads” and the closing number “Messed Up For Sure.” Any of these tracks would easily satisfy fans of sleaze rock, who like their bands in leather pants with their guitars slung low and middle fingers in the air.
It’s in the in-between numbers, however, where the band strays from that formula that works so well for them, specifically with back-to-back tracks “Fly” and “The Ocean.” The nearly eight-minute epic “Fly” is all over the map, with its Pink Floyd-esque intro, a psychedelic Doors vibe in the verses, and a soaring chorus that showcases frontman Jocke Berg’s vocal prowess. “The Ocean” showcases a sound that can best be described as Jane’s Addiction-meets-Saigon Kick, with sing-alongs that will stick in your head and a blistering guitar solo from Vic Zino. The rock-solid rhythm section of bassist Martin Sandvik and drummer Adde Andreasson best display their talent in the groove-laden “Touch the Sky,” which has a vibe funky enough to make even the most serious rocker get up and shake his ass. It’s songs like these that set Hardcore Superstar apart from their peers in the current hard rock scene. Likewise, the album has a broad appeal that should satisfy older fans and hopefully garner new ones. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
