Swedish Hits Goes Metal: Swedish Hits Goes Metal

There have been quite a few Euro-Metal releases in the past few months which have followed the fad of including unusual pop-hit cover versions, however the rather clumsily titled Swedish Hits Goes Metal takes that idea a huge step further. Rather than a tongue in cheek one track nod to the eighties, ReinXeed mainman Tommy (Johnasson) ReinXeed has recorded an entire album's worth of songs from three of the biggest pop exports that his native Sweden has produced. Basically SHGM is comprised of seven Abba, four Roxette and three Ace Of Base tracks reproduced in a romping symphonic metal style, which while easily recognisable, do sound rather similar to ReinXeed as well.

Rather than the parody of music gone by, that the likes of cock rockers Steel Panther humorously produce, SHGM is a more knowing, if light hearted homage to bands that obviously mean a great deal to ReinXeed and his country. That said this is purely throw away stuff – great fun, but throwaway stuff nonetheless. Of the three bands covered it is the slower, more groove oriented Ace Of Base tracks which are least convincing in this style, not quite knowing whether to stay plodding and sombre, or push down on the gas and race along. That's not a quandary to be found on either the Roxette or Abba numbers, which are all thoroughly romped through at blistering pace, with piano and guitar lines replaced by solid, if manic riffs that stay close to the original melody lines. In truth there is little thinking out of the box on any of the tracks here, with the basic premise being to take the songs and metalize them with thunking drums, thwacks of guitars and soaring vocals which in tracks like Abba's "Money, Money, Money" are high enough to signal that your kettle has boiled, summon every dog in the neighbourhood and crack glass simultaneously! Whether it is an age thing, or the fact that my Mamma Mia The Musical loving kids simply bounced round the house to them, the Abba tracks undoubtedly work best in these surroundings (actually, let's be honest, it is down to stunning songwriting in the first place), with "The Winner Takes It All" and "Super Trouper" being particularly effective. Although Roxette's "Joyride" and "The Look" also have a certain bizarre charm.

For an evening's serious music listening, this is an album to veer well clear of. However if you are looking for an album that you can pull out and make everyone from your kids to your Grandparents happy, whilst still putting a smile on your face, then Swedish Hits Goes Metal is a sure fire winner.

Track Listing
1. Mamma Mia
2. The Look
3. Money Money Money
4. The Sign
5. Summer Night City
6. All Thet She Wants
7. Super Trouper
8. Joyride
9. Intermezzo No. 1
10. Sleeping In My Car
11. The Winner Takes It All
12. Beautiful Life
13. Lay All Your Love On Me
14. Listen To Your Heart

Added: September 6th 2011
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: ReinXeed MySpace
Hits: 2416
Language: english

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