Band of Spice: How We Play The Game

Christian “Spice� Sjostrand was The Spiritual Beggars’ frontman and bassist from 1992 to 2001. After the Ad Astra album, he left the band to give his full attention to The Mushroom River Band which ultimately disbanded in 2004. In 2010 Sjostrand formed Band of Spice and over the next few years the band has released five albums including their latest titled How We Play The Game in 2022.

This is my first listen time listening to Band of Spice and first impressions are very favourable. Sjostrand’s guitar work is impressive and his gravelly, yet strong vocals form the basis of the band’s sound. The lead-off track “Gone Insane� begins with mellow guitar but soon explodes into massive riffs and aggressive vocals, powerful yet catchy at the same time. The chorus is really quite addictive. A relentless rhythmic pace defines the heavy “Demonized� but the band still allow the tempo to slow, making the faster sections all the more intense. “My Game� is all venomous lead vocals, galloping riffs, and excellent lead guitar. “Below The Sun� is highlighted by melodic lead guitar while “Control� incorporates massive doom riffs and blistering lead guitar, setting a furious pace where the band cooks with a fiery intensity. The pure doom of the Sabbath inspired “Descending� is followed by the heavy metal fury of “Offside�. Ending the disc is “A Song For You�, one of the catchiest tracks on the album.

How We Play The Game is a sure-fire winner, an album of uncompromising metal and hard rock, from a trio of veteran musicians at the top of their game. Recommended.

A Scarlet Records release.

Band members:
Christian “Spice� Sjostrand (guitars and vocals)
Alexander Sekulovski (bass)
Bob Ruben (drums)

Discography:
Feel Like Coming Home (2010)
Economic Dancers (2015)
Shadows Remain (2017)
By The Corner Of Tomorrow (2021)
How We Play The Game (2022)

Track Listing:
1. Gone Insane (5:32)
2. Demonized (4:25)
3. My Game (5:27)
4. Below The Sun (2:56)
5. Control (5:10)
6. Descending (4:05)
7. Offside (2:47)
8. Little Casino (2:06)
9. A Song For You (5:11)

Added: July 18th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 796
Language: english

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