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M.ILL.ION - Back On Track - 8.6/108.6/10
Summary
AOR Heaven
Release date: September 10, 2021
[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]
10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.
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User Review
( votes)The Backstory
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the band, Sweden’s M.ILL.ION have reunited to release their 8th studio album Back on Track. Joining founding members Hans, CT, Marcus, and BJ, are Henrik Andersson on second guitar, and Magnus Rohdell on drums. According to M.ILL.ION, This is not a reunion of tired middle aged men for nostalgic reasons. This is for real and a serious attempt at creating great new rock music, to kick some classic ass on stage again and to have lots of fun doing it all! The band’s last studio album was 2011’s Sane & Insanity.
The Album
The opening song “Back on Track” serves as the band’s comeback anthem. It’s heavy on hooks and melody. “Rising” keeps the energy and catchiness flowing, plus has quite the cool musical interlude. “90-60-90” kicks off with a toe-tapping drum beat, soft organs, and a faint choir section. Once the guitars kicks in, the song shifts to a bluesy rock track. The chorus is instantly ingrained in your head.
“Sign of Victory” is full of driving guitars and layered vocals. M.ILL.ION goes dark and progressive on “Eye of the Storm.” Vocalist Hans Dalzon has a little Ronnie James Dio inflection to his delivery, and with the organ tones of Marcus Berglund, this track feels like a lost Rainbow cut. That classic Rainbow vibe stays alive with “Narrow Mind Land,” only this time the ride is more frantic.
The ballad “Lovely Eyes” touches ’70s Singer-Songwriter territory with its smooth delivery. Though vastly different than Kiss’ version, does the world need another song called “Doctor Lööv?” And a cheesier one at that? Meaty riffs and thumping bass dominates “Get Down to Biz.” “Candyman” ends the album on an even higher note than the opening track.
The Verdict
With Back On Track M.ILL.ION display a lot of musical diversity. While they are usually described as a Melodic Rock act, it’s clear that they wear other Classic Rock genres on their sleeves. If you’re new to the band, 15 tracks seem like too many songs. If you are a fan, 15 songs just isn’t enough after a 10 year break. Back on Track is a solid album that progressively gets better with each track. There is a stumble or two along the way, but the stronger songs more than make up for it.
Tracklist
- Back On Track
- Rising
- Circle Of Trust
- 90-60-90
- Sign Of Victory
- Judgement Day
- Eye Of The Storm
- Narrow Mind Land
- Lovely Eyes
- Burn In Hell
- Doctor Lööv
- Mother Earth
- Get Down To Biz
- Tear Down The Walls
- Candyman
M.ILL.ION is
Hans Dalzon – Vocals
CT Rohdell – Guitar
Marcus Berglund – Keys
BJ Laneby – Bass
Henrik Andersson – Guitar
Magnus Rohdell – Drums
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