DRIVEN UNDER – Hello Mr. Defeat

Hello Mr. Defeat is the second full length album from Switzerland’s Hard Rock band Driven Under. Comprised of Patric Bouffe, vocals, Daniel Gebert, bass, Fabian Koch, drums, and Steven Hohl, guitar, the band describes their music as “straightforward metal party hits.” Hello Mr. Defeat was recorded in the band’s own studio, and mixed and mastered at Studio Fredman by Fredrik Nordstrom. Recording in your own studio can be a double edged sword, especially without someone outside the band to give honest feedback. While the songs are solidly constructed, there is just so much that could have been better. The vocals are often pitchy, the guitar solos are poorly constructed and executed. The drums are performed very well, but don’t stand out in the mix like they should. The rhythm guitars are well done, as is the bass guitar, which is mostly buried in the mix.

Despite having an outside person do the mix and master, this record could have been much better with a producer/engineer involved in the production. “Breathe” is probably the prime example of this. It has good bones, but the lead vocals and lead guitar are off in so many places, it should have been redone. There are numerous cringeworthy notes from both throughout the record that sadly take what could’ve been a solid release and make it sub par. Still worth a listen to Hard Rock, Metal, and Melodic Rock fans.

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