Et Rop På Hjälp: Hur Svårt Kan Det Vara?

Swedish band ETT ROP PÅ HJÄLP was formed sometime around 2009, and have apparently been something of a feature on the Swedish live circuit. At least their debut album has been described by some as eagerly awaited when it arrived in late winter 2012, courtesy of Transubstans Records.

Be that as it may be, but it is a blazing romp of a debut album they have made themselves. As usual with artists signed to Transubstans their expression is a vintage oriented one, with a hard, compact bass guitar the central recurrent feature throughout. Most often combined with compact guitar riffs, the combination of the two clearly indicating that Black Sabbath has been an influential band for this foursome. Their choice of expression is one somewhat lighter and more uplifting in character however, personally I'd describe this as a blend of The Who and the aforementioned Black Sabbath, but of a generally uplifting, positive and vibrantly energetic nature. With steady and frequently sophisticated drum patterns catering for the rhythms department this is a tight and high energy total package, with excellent powerful lead vocals as an additional asset.

But there's a bit more to this that isn't captured by the above description, namely a substantial element of psychedelic rock. Light toned psychedelic guitar details appear on regular occasions throughout, and when the band hits an elongated instrumental feature psych-dripping guitar solos and extended runs are never far away. In addition, either the verse or the chorus part of each of the songs tends to incorporate a fair deal of psychedelic details. That the majority of the songs also incorporate tempo and intensity alterations does give this bands repertoire a distinct flavouring of progressive rock, and that they occasionally will hit off on a Santana-flavoured run strengthens this impression quite a lot.

By and large I found this album to be a truly strong and vibrant experience. That I understand the mostly acidic comments made in the lyrical department obviously an advantage, but even if disregarding that element this is a strong production I imagine should have a widespread appeal. A disc that comes highly recommended to fans of heavy psychedelic 70's rock first and foremost, and in particular to those amongst them who also enjoy listening to vintage Black Sabbath.

My rating: 93/100Track list:
1. Den Siste Altruisten
2. Den Europeiska Löken
3. Ärendet
4. Sagor (Och Ingenting Annat Än Sagor)
5. Vänförfrågan
6. Tvål & Alkohol
7. Följ Mitt Liv
8. Ett Rop På Hjälp
9. Josef K