Brutus: Brutus (2010)

Based in Oslo, Norway, Swedish/Norwegian collaboration BRUTUS have existed for a few years now, and caused quite a stir when they sent out their first demo back in 2008. With overwhelming positive responses from many notable music lovers and critics backing them the band hit the studio again in 2009 to record their official debut album, which was released by Swedish label Transubstans Records in the spring of 2010.

Musically this band can be added to whatever list you may have of retro bands from Scandinavia. Heavy blues rock with psychedelic tinges and vintage first generation hard rock covers pretty much the stylistic territory explored on this initial effort, with bands such as Blue Cheer and Black Sabbath as two likely major influences.

Beefy, repetitive riff constructions in the verse segments and more free flowing patterns and drawn out riffs for the chorus parts are central elements throughout, with the powerful lead vocals of Jokke soaring above in a manner and style reminding of good old Ozzy Osbourne as he was way back when. Solid drums and an often thundering bass provides momentum and energy, and take more of a subservient role in the proceedings. The dual guitars of the band come to their right in the instrumental passages, where a dual psychedelic-tinged attack is something of a common denominator.

The compositions are rather simplistic and repetitive in construction though, and while Brutus often manage to get a good groove going momentum and energy are the most vital ingredients on this disc. At least on this occasion the main rule seems to be of the "Keep It Simple Stupid" variety, the more sophisticated features of early metal and psychedelic hard rock that evolved after 1970 isn't common features. Indeed, even compared to the bands active in 1970 this is on the simplistic side of things.

Musically Black Sabbath is the band that comes first to mind when listening to this disc, albeit a lighter and pacier version of the style Iommi and his compatriots explored early on. Brutus does adds in some directly blues inspired features as well, with final number Swamp City Blues the best example. But it is grooving vintage hard rock that is the main feature on this production, and those who love bands like the aforementioned influences should most likely find this disc to be highly interesting as well.

My rating: 65/100