Decadenze: Beyond Obsession

In a time when young bands seem to be chasing the next trend and desperately trying to fit into the "happening" scene, it's a genuine pleasure to come across a band of young, hungry musicians who play music from the heart and sound totally committed to their craft.

Having seen Decadenze support Magnum on their recent UK tour, I was left in no doubt that this is a band who are completely dedicated to their blend of accessible, memorable choruses, towering riffs and melodic vocals. They put on a tight show that won over the crowd and illustrated that the only way to convince an unsuspecting audience of their merits is to play with total conviction and even more importantly, have catchy songs that make an instant impression.

The stunning Mark Wilkinson (Marillion, Judas Priest, etc) artwork on Beyond Obsession may give the impression that Decadenze come from the same musical background as the likes of the symphonic inspired Kamelot, however what is on offer here is something that is a little more straight forward and in your face.

Fusing together the sort of infectious hooks that the likes of Little Angels or Skin used to revel in with an altogether harder edged, heavy sound means that Decadenze, whilst not reinventing the wheel do manage to sound both familiar and original at the same time, which is no mean feat. "The Otherside" is a perfect illustration with its grinding guitars that have you writhing to the beat and a chorus that insists you chant along. "Hit It Hard" which opens the album is another great example of how to get a good time sleazy riff and toughen it up so that you end up getting Hanoi Rocks jamming with the Wildhearts.

Both guitarists Adam Dive and Phil Haycock know how to build solid foundations with which to base the songs on as the rhythm work is rock solid and when you add in Steve Edge's intricate runs and thundering bass lines, the trio make for a potent attack. Rich Newsome behind the kit is a drummer who understands how to keep the heavy barrage grounded, however he possesses enough flamboyance in his style to cut through the tracks without compromising the music itself.

Much of the success of a good honest hard rock band depends on the skills of their man behind the mic and with Steve's brother Chris Edge handling vocal duties Decadenze have no worries in that department either. He has a clean melodic approach, but as the music demands it he can turn up the angst and aggression so as to add to the intensity served up by the rest of the band.

Everywhere you look on Beyond Obsession there's a mighty guitar attack or blinding solo, just listen to ""Wasted Life" or the thumping standout "Never Be Forgotten" for evidence that Decadenze can cut it with the best of them. Chris and drummer Rich especially impresses on the later track with a more considered vocal approach and a thoughtful slow build behind the kit.

"Don't Fear Me" funks things up a bit with a strutting swagger which works wonderfully well alongside the galloping riff of the chorus, however it's the stripped back closing section with its thumping beat and crashing cymbals that surprises at it adds a beautiful orchestral section that adds a dash of bombastic, pompousness to the crunching guitars.

A more later day Slash inspired side riff is the main driving force behind "Falling Rain" and as with the rest of the album Steve Edge's bass and Newsome's drums raise proceedings a notch, the songs never stand still or are happy to repeat themselves over and over and it's this variety that keeps Beyond Obsession interesting and fresh.

This is among the best debut albums from a British rock band for quite some time and proof that with the likes of The Answer and Heaven's Basement, Decadenze may well kick start a renaissance of hard hitting UK rock.

Track Listing
1. Hit It Hard
2. Shoot Me High
3. Wasted Life
4. Tomorrow Is Too Late
5. Falling Rain
6. Sadist
7. The Other Side
8. Don't Fear Me
9. Never Be Forgotten
10. One Night

Added: November 8th 2009
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Band's Web Site
Hits: 1845
Language: english

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