ALBUM REVIEW: Sudden Death – Horisont

Formed in 2006, HORISONT started their career with the want to revive the classic sounds of the 70s and has continued on that path ever since. 10 years after forming, they signed a record deal with Century Media Records and went onto achieve #1 on the Swedish charts for About Time in 2017. Vocalist Axel declares that “Our mission was to make the record that WE wanted to do, and not what people expect us to do,” and it is with this laid-back attitude that the band created their new 2020 record, Sudden Death. One look at these guys tells you all you need to know. The band’s style and sound is perfectly matched, complete with oversized aviator-style glasses and some pretty damn impressive moustaches. If you’re gonna do it, do it properly!

First track Revolution kicks things off with an upbeat, staccato style piano intro, gently moving into a classic 70s sound. Vintage rock revival at it’s finest, every note is soaked in sunshine and could easily be the soundtrack to an old-school movie. Free Riding follows suit with sweeping piano melodies reminiscent of 70s rockers like STATUS QUO. Groovy guitar harmonies are layered well here, creating a soft but up-tempo sound. Axel’s voice is unique, it’s nasally but in the best way, strong and full but slightly strained in the way that Ozzy Osbourne sounds.

Pushin’ The Line recalls classic bands such as BAD COMPANY with well-crafted riffs. The sound is great and very well produced, but this song lacks any real structure and it’s hard to pick out a chorus here which lets it down. Guitar and piano are paired in Into The Night to set up a richness to the track, but a saxophone wailing in the intro sets it apart and adds a touch of unique musicality. Standing Here is a classic storyteller style-track. The sound here is a little bit different from previous tracks which makes for some nice variation. Despite being full, the whole sound is softer somehow, vocal harmonies and true-vintage sound set it apart.

Following suit, Runaway hits you with clinky, bright guitars which are then layered over a super catchy riff, easily the best riff on the album. The track starts off great and just gets even better, distinct verses, a hook and a strong chorus filled with vocal power layered with the fullness and intricate instrumental creates a gorgeous sound. The bass sounds beautiful here too, this track really has the whole package. Time to get your roller skates out and hit the pier!

The only Swedish track on the album, Gråa Dagar is another welcome variation on Sudden Death. The language sounds perfect in this vintage style, and just adds another dimension of softness and magic. Sail On brings us back to the up-tempo energy, it ticks the boxes but there’s nothing really special going on here apart from some nice guitar and piano melodies a little further in.

HORISONT get a little experimental towards the end of this record, Breaking The Chain starts with outer-space style sound effects which go into full-blown retro synth which is to be followed for the last track. Before that however, we’re presented with the beautiful flowing piano of Hold On, a classic melody in a slower, ballad-style which explodes into a more epic track as time goes on. Archaeopteryx In Flight rounds off the album with that mixture of synth and bass, once more. Offbeat but interesting, it’s a risky style to trial but works in their favour.

Sudden Death is definitely a record that improves as it goes on. The first few tracks are pleasant and great to listen to, but without any variety the album could have suffered. Luckily this is not the case and instead, HORISONT strengthen with every track, creating some really unique sounds. If you like 70s feel-good rock and are looking for the perfect soundtrack for sitting back in the sunshine and flicking through some aged polaroids with the summer breeze in your hair, this record is for you.

Rating: 8/10

Sudden Death is set for release May 15th via Century Media Records. 

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