Sweden’s finest The Poodles are back with their second album, following up their awesome debut, “Metal Will Stand Tall”. That debut album earned them the only 10/10 rating I have ever given and, for me, stands alongside Gotthard’s “Lipservice” as the two best releases of the last 5 years. 

And comparisons to Gotthard do not end there as the Swiss band also had the difficult job of following up their phenomenal last album this year. So how have The Poodles got on with that daunting task… 

The opening signs are certainly positive as the awesome “Flesh & Blood” kicks in with its monsterously heavy rhythm and typically catchy chorus. Drummer Christian Lundqvist really has put in a fantastic performance on this track. 

A dark and heavy bass run opens “Streets Of Fire”, but again, come chorus time, the band have yet another irresistibly catchy offering. 

The songwriting duties have again been a hugely collaborative effort, bringing in the likes of Matti Alfonzetti once again and composing a total of 35 songs before stripping this down to the best 12 that make it to the final cut of the album. 

I don’t think the album is as instantaneous as the debut, but it is definitely a huge “grower” with every listen revealing new elements of songs not immediately apparent. There is a definitely a heavier and darker edge to the songs too, whilst retaining the melodic style of the debut. Singer Jakob Samuel is once again the focal point of the band and his raspy and quite unusual delivery once again is on absolutely top form.

Next up is “Seven Seas” which is also the first single from the album. Some of you may already be familiar with this track as it was aired live when they supported Hammerfall earlier in the year. Another absolute corker. 

“Walk The Line” follows and is one of the weaker moments on the album for me. However, the same cannot be said of next track “Thunderball”, with another superb chorus and a heavy riff which drives the verses along brilliantly. 

The same type of chugging rhythm is present in “Reach The Sky” with yet another trademark singalong chorus and some of that vocal trading back & forth so popular in a live setting.  “We Are One” is a massive ballad-esque epic with Samuel delivering a particularly fine vocal throughout. I can see the lighters in the air for this one !!! 

“Without You” is one of my favourites on the album, with a classic intro which builds in intensity to yes, you guessed it, another great chorus !!  They really do seem to have an incredibly canny knack of coming up with the most engaging and catchy choruses which give you no choice but to sing along to. 

Next up is “Band Of Brothers” which was my favourite song on first listen and still remains up there as a true highlight, even within an album as strong as this. “Heaven’s Closing In” is another monster sounding track with another of those chugging heavy guitar riffs, whilst “Kiss Goodbye” is a slice of melodic rock brilliance. Closing track, “Shine”, signs things off in perfect style with another beautifully crafted slower song. 

Overall this is another superb album from The Poodles, although I wouldn’t quite rank it as highly as their unbelievable debut. Everything you loved about the first record is here again, coupled with a definite heavier and darker edge which will appeal to more traditional hard rock as well as melodic rock fans. It should easily make your Top 10 of the year and is another essential purchase for your collection.

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 Track Listing

Flesh And Blood
Streets Of Fire
Seven Seas
Walk The Line
Thunderball
Reach The Sky
We Are One
Without You
Band Of Brothers
Heaven/s Closing In
Kiss Goodbye
Shine

Line Up

Jakob Samuel - Vocals
Pontus Norgren - Guitars
Pontus Egberg - Bass
Christain Lundqvist - Drums