Review [H] Page - PILGRIM WORLD -

Review [H] Page
[Top Page][Review Page]

Hal & Ring - Alchemy
Hamadryad - Conservation of Mass
Harmony in Diversity - Trying
Harris, Michael - Orchestrate
Harris, Michael - Tranz Fused
Harris, Michael - Words Collide
Hauteville - Relief Data Incomplete
Headline - Duality
Heartscore - Straight To The Brain
Heartscore - Many Directions
Heaven's Cry - Primal Power Addiction
(Tribute album) Jimi Hendrix: The Spirit Lives on Vol.1& 2 - Music of Jimi Hendrix
Hernando, Tony - III
Hernando, Tony - The III Live
Hersey, Iain Ashley - The Holy Grail
Hourglass - The Journey Into
House of Shakira - First Class

Hal & Ring - Alchemy
Poseidon Records
(2006)

Hal & Ring is a Japanese progressive rock group consisting of ex. Shingetsu members and Ring members, if I remember the information about them correctly. This is fine prog rock group performing organ/keyboard dominated style like EL&P and Egg, but they are not as intricate as EL&P. They perform varied tunes including jazz rock, driving heavy rock, and even symphonic rock. Amazingly, they managed to create diverse progressive rock compositions and interesting twists with some complexities. The instrumentation of each track is quite tasty and very intriguing as well. Nowadays, Poseidon Records have been offering quite nice newcomers and veteran musicians from Japan and some European acts. Hal & Ring proves that Japanese prog rock scene has strong impacts on progressive rock fans out there in the world. Well-done prog rock album without any hints of typical Japanese symphonic rock, and I am totally impressed with the entire results and originality from fellow Japanese progressive rockers in Tokyo. Higly recommended for Japanese progressive rock fans.

Hamadryad - Conservation of Mass
Unicorn Records
(2000)

I think Canada keeps offering really strong rock and metal bands for such a long time. For example, talented bands like Rush, Triumph, Voivod, Annihilator, and Heaven's Cry come to my mind. Hamadryad is also Canadian progressive rock band, but they do not sound like Rush at all. Musically, their style reminds me of a cross between Lemur Voice and Yes with bit of some elements of Heaven's Cry. Conservation of Mass contains the elements of early rock passion and twisted prog rock energy which sounded kind of heavy version of Yes. The instrumentations and arrangements are both really well constructed. The singer of Hamadryad sounded a bit quarky version of Jon Anderson (Yes) or Gregor van der Loo (Lemur Voice) from my point of view. A complexity of instrumental sections is kind of similar to Lemur Voice to me, but some people might instantly refer to Dream Theater's style. They also use distorted and some kind of raw Hammond sounds on the keyboard department. Probably, this band appeals to the fans of general prog rock fans, but I think prog metal listeners, who listen to challenging prog rock bands out there, will like Hamadryad's music.

Harmony in Diversity - Trying
Independent Release
(2006)

Harmony in Diversity is the U.K. heavy prog trio featuring ex. Yes guitar player Mr. Peter Banks himself. Since I like both old and new Yes music quite a lot, so I thought myself that 'I should get the cd and hear entire music from this group'. :) According to the liner notes on the cd, their cd was not meant to be released in their original plan. But I'm happy to tell you that the music performed on the cd would satisfy the fans who are into prog rock and art rock from U.K. Their first release 'Trying' takes 60's and early 70's spirits to a new level in modern days. There are several different musical ingredients like improvisational rock, heavy guitar-oriented sounds, and spacey soundscapes. Overall, Harmony in Diversity successfully manage to put those diverse elements into their own progressive rock style. Although this cd contains only five tracks, there are three 7 to 10 minutes long-form improvisational instrumentals and relatively two short-form tracks. In my impression, Harmony in Diversity is really good at performing intensified improvisational heavy rock with slight influences of space rock. If you are looking for the similar sounds of Yes on this cd, just mind you that you would not find anything like Yes. Probably, you are going to find minor similarities from 'Time And A Word' album by Yes, due to Peter Banks' involvement for this trio. Having said that, the highlight of their cd for me is the third track called "Mind The Floor". I believe that "Mind The Floor" represents their intensity and organic heavy prog rock sounds in pure form. Overall, the music of Harmony in Diversity bring back the energy from the heydays of prog rock and art rock. This is not the music I usually post on my website, but it's worthwhile to get noticed. The musicians from Harmony in Diversity perform honest and solid heavy prog music. This is not merely nostalgic music, yet they are keeping the flame of true live music. Thanks for playing the rock music rooted in honest improvisational rock music. Keep an eye on the energetic and vibrant U.K. music scene.

Harris, Michael - Orchestrate
Lion Music
(2006)

Currently, the name of U.S. guitar player Michael Harris pops up in various places. Most prog metal fans praise the quality and greatness of the debut album of excellent prog metal super-project, called Thought Chamber from InsideOut label. Probably, it's a good chance for you to check out the recent works of Michael Harris, since the fans of Thought Chamber get into the playing style of Michael Harris. As I reviewed on his previous solo album released from Lion Music earlier around 2003, Michael has already worked and released several notable albums of his bands and projects; for example, his early solo albums and the works of Arch Rival have been relatively known among U.S. power metal heads. In my case, his last album 'Words Collide' impressed me quite a lot with his imaginative instrumental works and great compositional skills in the style of contemporary progressive metal. His latest album 'Orchestrate' released in 2006 sounds a quite different from his predecessor. It has the nature of neo-classical influenced shred metal, but Michael Harris does balance between classically influenced shred metal and some hints of Leviathan/Shrapnel style guitar instrumentals. Thanks to his works NOT relying on meaningless shred wanks. It rather sounds carfully been composed and performed with his guitar works. Additionally, Yamaha synth keyboards that he used generated electric orchestrations. Of course, the highlights of this album is definitely his outstanding contemporary shred/guitar works with nice complexity. Well, I admit that I was not very sure about what I would like this or not in the first place. However, the album of 'Orchestrate' has some outstanding arrangements and Michael Harris' extraordinaire guitar instrumental talents that make me a great impact overall. It would take time to enjoy this album fully if you are not a fan of shred metal or neo-classical metal. Anyway, this cd captures his accomplishment as a neo-classically influenced guitar hero.

Harris, Michael - Tranz Fused
Lion Music
(2010)

'Tranz Fused' is the latest album of technical guitar wizard from United States. Michael Harris was relatively known among the guitar shred circles in the 1990's. However, his guitar works and projects including Thought Chamber to name a few have been known in the powerful metal and prog metal scenes as well. The new album 'Tranz Fused' showcases his another versatile musical style and great chops. His trade mark of superb shred with intricate musical structures is evident. Supporting musicians of this album are also very intense to pull off amazing jobs. Stylistically, Michael Harris delves into technical fusion, funk and modern blues guitar instrumentals. From beginning to end, his guitar works are very astonishing as always. Additionally, the band ensemble themselves perform really magnificent in my honest opinion. One of most progressive and very energetic works he has done with his great fellows from every music scene. It's totally a great guitar instrumental heaven with incredible rhythmic works. Most instrumental numbers on the album are very enjoyable and breath-taking. Perhaps, the new solo album of Michael Harris would appeal to the music fans wo are digging the groups like 7for4 and Errorhead. Totally very impressed with great musicianship on the entire cd. Highly recommended for technical guitar instrumental fans.

Michael Harris - Words Collide
Lion Music
(2003)

Words Collide is a latest release of Arch Rival's guitar player, Michael Harris. Since early 90s, Michael has been making and playing technical guitar-oriented albums released from Leviathan Records owned by David T. Chastain. In the case of Words Collide, this is pretty unique progressive hard rock album featuring vocal performance of Michael Harris. Even though I have heard his dynamic neo-classical hard driving tune called "Mozart Ghost" from the hard rock radio station, this is my really first time to concentrate listening to his music. I had an image that Michael had been strictly pursuing complex and intricate guitar instrumental music in his career. Actually, he seems to enjoy creating different kind of materials packed on his music. So far, I have enjoyed his approach to his guitar playing and vocal performance on this cd in particular. Probably, Words Collide might not grab you right away, if you look for his specific guitar playing and intricate sections. You need to have a few more spins to enjoy everything, but it is worthwhile to try listening to his music carefully. Basically, Words Collide features both song-oriented approach tunes and instrumental oriented tracks with experimental and prog metal moves. Overall, I am very impressed with his diverse song writing ability. Esp., "Battle Fatigue" is very challenging and exciting prog metal ensemble I have enjoyed so far most of the time. I am assuming that Words Collide is his first attempt to play solid and song-oriented music with dynamic guitar playing and intense progressive parts. Incredibly, he mostly handles all guitars, bass, and vocals, except for drum performance by his brother Brian Harris. His great guitar playing comes to my mind with Joe Satriani, David T. Chastain, Racer X, and Cacophony. His main role is a guitar player, but he has a pleasant rock solid vocal without having no problem to express on each tune. When the instrumental sections come, his performance just gets intensified and burns! Some guitar music fans would get surprised by his unique and fresh musical direction on Words Collide. Throughout the music, it is hard to believe that this album has been played by two players. Michael put electric guitar parts, bass, and vocals together really efficiently to sound great. From the beginning to end, Words Collide gives me a fresh air and enjoyable moments. Once, there were the times that all guitarists are trying to perform virtuostic and shred performance, just like Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Vinnie Moore, and Tony MacAlpine. Nowadays, solo rock guitarists also don't dare to combine different music elements and styles with intense guitar instrumentalists. Words Collide gives a fresh approach to both guitar music and progressive metal in my opinions. Hopefully, Michael Harris keeps making experimental, yet exciting progressive guitar music. Words Collide is such a great album. This album is really recommened for guitar music fans who like both energetic guitar-oriented music and progressive metal in general.

Hauteville - Relief Data Incomplete
Lion Music
(2006)

Probably, some prog/AOR fans might remember this female fronted French band Hauteville. I think they also get surprised to find out that Hauteville has been together to make new music. I believe 'Relief Data Incomplete' is their second album released from Lion Music that they have newly signed. It's been a few years since quality French bands have everged in prog/metal scene, Hauteville would be another fine prog rock group from France. Unlike other technical French prog metal groups, they obviously put the emphasis on melody and song-oriented music over intricate ensembles and technical prowess between skilled players. Musically, this French group takes care of making accessible sounds with dynamic sound production. The focal point of this group is the female lead vocalist, Lydie Gosselin. Lydie's vocal performance is very pleasant, and she conveys emotionally romantic vocal phrasings. Even though the music of Hauteville does not usually go beyond the technical realm, each player of Hauteville has shining moments in their each musical department. Esp., the guitar player Denis Turmel shows somewhat complex soloing and tasty moments in more than a few songs. Besides the great performance of Lydie and Denis, I think the keyboard player Didier Therry has put nice contemporary keyboard/synth works with symphonic rock/prog elements as well to appeal to prog fans mostly. Didier also takes an important role for putting all things together as a producer. The highlights of 'Relief Data Incomplete' could be 7th track "Relief Data Incomplete", 8th track "Jaywalker", and 9th track "Releflection" in parcitular. However, of course, these other tracks on the album sound really solid and nicely done. Stylistically, what they perform and have created here has strong originality and their own approach, yet I believe Hauteville's new music would appeal to the fans of Magellan, Saga, Rush, Robert Berry, and James LaBrie's solo or Mullmuzler. I hope they keep going strong with new release. Highly Recommended for accessible prog/AOR music lovers.

Headline - Duality
NTS/Wagram
(2002)

YEAH!!!!, I was waiting for new release from really talented, but unbelievably underrated hidden gem, Headline from France. They returned to the prog metal scene with their third full-length album, Duality. It is kind of sad fact that Headline has not been known outside of Europe. But they keep making symphonic-laden progressive metal music with excellent musicianship. In the case of Duality, new album seems to be slightly more straight forward than previously, although there are enough complex parts. And song-writing department seems to be centered around Sylvie Grare's beautiful vocal performance (I think her singing reminds me of Bonnie Tyler and Doro). However, they maintained great musicianship and nice quality with complex ensembles and tons of guitar/keyboard solos. If you like most InsideOut prog metal bands and quality prog metal music, I strongly recommend that you should keep your eyes on this band. Probably, I might prefer their second album, Voices of Presence, slightly better. But the music of Duality constantly grows on me with each listening session. What I've got is French Ltd edition of Duality, so I can enjoy bonus cd featuring video clip of highlight tune, "Exorcise Me", biography, interesting articles, and lots lots more. Obviously, I am really excited about their release. Because I like their style and music very much. As a matter of fact, the result of Duality satisfied my expectation and appetite completely. I am totally blown away by their each release. They have done super-great job. Unfortunately, I could not get this album within the year of 2002. Anyway, Duality is one of best purchases in 2003. WELL DONE!!, I love what HEADLINE has achieved :-)

Heartscore - Straight To The Brain
Independent Release
(2004)

'Straight To The Brain' is Heartscore's 2nd full-length album. I think this is one of unique prog rock releases in 2004. When I got this cd with this funny comic-like art cover, I could not really guess what kind of music pop up. While listening to the cd of Heartscore, I get very interested in their music. I confess that this music is really unique and twisting prog rock with heavy driving ensemble. Mostly, Heartscore has been driven by Dirk Radloff who plays guitar, bass, violin, and mostly everything. Besides the helps of drummer and piano player who also plays trumpet, Dirk also takes the roles of all vocals. I strongly believes Dirk's strongest point is his impressive guitar playing. Bass lines of his performance is also very tasty, too. Stylistically, the music of Heartscore has similarities with Annon Vin and Freak Kitchen, exp., complex instrumental sections. However, Heartscore keeps steady on song-oriented approach with some nice melodic solos. In the beginning of my listening session, I had no idea what to expect. Gradually, I am fascinated with the music of Heartscore with each spinning of the disc. Well-produced and performed, entirely. Don't get fooled by the album cover, hahaha. At first, I thought that this cd is some kind of ska or punk??, but not at all (lol). I would say the music of Heartscore is not really typical prog rock or technical instrumental works. Rather, it is unique rock music with twists and funny elements. If you are open-minded listener who enjoyes somewhat funny and zanny music with great musicianship, then Heartscore would tell something in your mind through the music. Hearscore seems to enjoy teasing the listeners through their music, sometimes. Overall, I enjoyed listening with full of smiles.
[website] http://www.heartscore-music.de/

Heartscore - Many Directions
Independent Release
(2007)

German prog rock unit Heartscore returns with new album entitled 'Many Directions.' Again on the new album of Heartscore, it features various unique formats including 80's popular rock, alternative, prog, and slightly complex instrumentals. Nevertheless, this album has more unique twists and friendly sounds for someone that is new to the music of Heartscore. According to the info of this new album, everything is literally handled by German mastermind Dirk Radloff. Thanks to the invension of multi-track recording devices and modern music technology; Dirk himself performs, comosed, and arranged. But all lyrics are somehow coming from American poets, but he does not mention each name on purpose. Perhaps, he mixed his ideas with original lyricist's themes and passages. Stylistically, Heartscore stays in the similar line with their previous work like 'Straight To The Brain,' but somehow each track on this latest album has much more own charms and uniqueness. The difference between new one and previous ones is definitely much diverse ideas and less-heavy and less-complexity. Probably, Dirk took the direction of friendy and hook-laden approach with much more uniqueness. Of course, there are some proggy parts and intensified sections that the complex prog and instrumental fans are dying for, so do not worry about it. Even though the music nature of Heartscore is quite twisted and modern, prog fans would get into new album easily. Some others would feel that this one might not be very forcused in one direction, but I feel Heartscore would not really care for outsider's opinions. This is the way Dirk Fadloff have wanted to take on this album with many different styles of rock and popular music. To me, I wanted to hear more complex and proggy style instrumentals and songs, but this is another fine work presented by Dirk himself. If you are into both Freak Kitchen and Gentle Giant kind of uniqueness with 1980's alternative sensibilities, it would be quite enjoyable. In particular, what they do quite good is combine hookliness with interesting instrumentation. You could definitely check out his music on his website and MySpace. I hope you progger and alternative music listener would find enjoyments from the sounds of Heartscore.

Heaven's Cry - Primal Power Addiction
DVS Records
(2002)

I had kind of hard time to get into this cd at first. Keyboards are obviously not used at all in this time, but complexity and intense performance of Heaven's Cry are still evident. It took time for a while, but I start enjoying this one. If you are into their first one quite a lot, Primal Power Addiction is a bit tough one. However, they still keep intensity and powerful performance. Some guitar tones and styles are bit quirky for my tastes, but overall this album is brilliant for people who are looking for some intensified and complex prog metal/rock. Well, perhaps, this album resides in the world of cross between heavier prog rock and prog metal.

Jimi Hendrix: The Spirit Lives on Vol.1& 2 - Music of Jimi Hendrix
Lion Music
(2004)

Probably, I do not need to explain a lot about this legendary rock guitar player Jimi Hendrix. Jimi Hendrix brought a culture shock on rock music in 60s. Although his music had been really respected and appreciated by many people all over the universe in his era, sadly he passed away. Of course, Jimi Hendrix's influence is so huge on rock and even popular music as well. His trademark heavy distorted guitar and wah-wah playing style are very famous, and still he has been considered as one of most important rock figures in rock history.

Just like Shawn Lane's tribute album, many guitarists and musicians pay tribute to Jimi Hendrix on both albums. Amazingly, lots of talented musicians and players join the forces. Vol. 1 features really incredible profiles like Sun Caged with Marcel Coenen, Andrea Rivera & Mistheria, Cyril Achard, Arabesque with Joop Wolters, Eric Sands, Michael Harris, Lars Eric Mattson, Chris Poland, Greg Howe, Bumblefoot, Edward Box, Carl Roa, Randy Coven, Richie Kotzen, and many more (wow, what a great line-up this is!). Vol.2 also includes many other hidden gems mostly from Lion Music artists, like Lars Eric Mattson with Chris Poland, Dave Martone, Project Alcazar, Torben Enevoldsen, James Byrd, Tony Hernando, Tommy Denander, Condition Red, and Baltimoore.

To be honest, I have been really impressed with vol.1 quite a lot. Very well-done and impressive. Vol.1's renditions by 　Sun Caged, Cyril Achard, Joop Wolters, Michael Harris, and Bumblefoot are especially maginificent. If you are purely pursuing some kind of cover songs that sound very close to original versions, then you would not be into this tribute album. I think Lion Music and Lars Eric Mattson must have given a freedom to cook Jimi Hendrix music with their own interpretation and appreciation toward Jimi Hendrix. Really interesing and superb guitar performance within tight and solid ensemble come out from the speakers. In the case of vol.2, it features superb performance of Dave Martone and really unique cover version by Tommy Denander which have caught my attention. However, I was not blown away on the vol.2 side like vol.1. Anyway, all musicians participating are all profient players, so performance-wise no complaints about performance. There are several other impressive Jimi Hendrix Tribute albums out there. The Spirit Lives on - Music of Jimi Hendrix is one of most unique tribute albums, if you are open-minded to different cover versions. Just like Shawn Lane Remembered tribute, I have been impressed with the enthusiasm level and highly skilled music performance. Nice booklet and cover art as well. Once again, the vol.1 album is one of my favorite albums in 2004. Great Job!!

Tony Hernando - III
Lion Music
(2004)

Without any doubt, Lion Music has established a status of supporting the enthusiastic hard working musicians and groups. among the fans of guitar-driven instrumentals, technical fusion, and complex prog music. Tony Hernando is one of guitarists who have been releasing his own works through Lion Music. This is my first time to check out Tony Hernando's music. III is his third official full-length album, if my memory serves rightly. Just like other established musicians and talented guitarists, Tony showcases his brilliant guitar works with complex ensembles and nice melodies. His works sometimes remind me of good old days Shrapnel shreds guitarists and bands, but he executes his chops and technique really well. What I have listened from III is really well-done. In addition, he also shows some proggy instrumentals like 9th track and 10th track, which sound really terrific and very enjoyable. I think he should make more complex proggy metal-oriented tracks. Overall, III is really great and master works. His backing musicians including drum meister Mike Terrana are all comptent and skilled to pull off amazing instrumental sections. In these days, there are lots of technical guitar players, but most guitar players' compositions seem to have suffered from the lack of uniqueness and "This sounds like I have ever heard before" syndrome. Nevertheless, Tony manages to explore his own world and fresh musical realm, such as his later parts of III. Definately, a recommened album for guitar freaks. Well-done!!!

Hernando, Tony - TH III Live
Lion Music
(2006)

Spanish technical guitar player Tony Hernando returns with his new Live DVD/CD, entitled 'TH III Live'. He's already releaseed fantastic a few solo albums through Lion Music, and his guitar-oriented instrumental music has been recognized among guitar freaks on the places like Guitar9 and CD Baby websites. His previous album has been already reviewed on this webpage, and his insrumental works on III convinced me a lot. It's been two years since he released the latest solo album. I did not expect him to release new live album as DVD and CD format, but this turns out really incredibly energetic live footage on the DVD format. Of course, 'TH III Live' captures the moments of his ballsey and tight guitar performance backed by his friend musicians and the hard-working drummer Mike Terrana from Rage. If you have already checked out III album, most tracks would sound quite familiar to your ears. If you never heard of his previous works, please do not be worried. Even though this is your first attempt to try his music on DVD, it's definitely a good chance to get familiar with his sounds and style. The sound production of live performance is very nice, and visually it's quite exciting to watch his performance with his band members. When you watch his guitar performance very closely, you'd notice that he's a really superb guitar player. His instrumental tracks are not difficult to comprehend. Rather, his compositions are approacheable to the listeners who do not usually pay attention to instrumental music. The atmosphere of live venue is quite friendly and the band themselves seem enjoying their performance big time. In addition, Mike Terrana's vivid live performance and super-intense drum works are simply stunning! Recommended for all guitar freaks and live music. Tony is a really hot-burning guitar instrumentalist. Very passionaite and lava-like HOT!

Hersey, Iain Ashley - The Holy Grail
Lion Music
(2005)

The Holy Grail is Iain Ashley Hersey's second full-length album, but this is his debut album from Lion Music. Actually, I had been not very familir with his music until I encountered this album, the music Iain Ashley Hersey has somewhat classic hard rock feelings and energy like Deep Purple, Rainbow, and early MSG. Additionally, I am quite surprised to hear Iain is an actually American guitar player/musician playing authentic and traditional guitar-driven hard rock with nice hammond organ and keyboard sounds. Even though I had never heard of his name and activitiy before, he seems to be a well-known musician among American and European Hard Rock scene. As long as I browse his website, you can find the pictures of notable famous hard rocker, such as Ronnie James Dio, Joe Lynn Turner, Glenn Hughes, Keith Emerson, and even Ritchie Sambora from Bon Jovi. His second solo album, The Holy Grail, has really nice and attractive twelve hard rocking tracks. You could feel 70s and early 80s classic rock and energetic hard driving energy there. He utilises notable guest musicians like Graham Bonnet. Perhaps, other musicians helping Iain might not have been very famous among rock fans, but all musicians on The Holy Grail have competent and skilled musicianship. Although Iain was a Berklee College of Music student, he stays playing on solid and blues-based heavy rock sounds without going into insanely technical chops. I believe his music comes from his heart and soul with honest emotions. That's why the music of The Holy Grail has vintage rock sounds and sheer energy. If you are the fan of classic hard rock sounds like Deep Purple and MSG, you need to take a look at Iain Ashley Hersey's new album.

Hourglass - The Journey Into
Independent Release
(2002)

At first, I thought I might not like this one. However, after spinning this cd for a while, I start getting drawn to The Journey Into. My impression on this cd is kind of a cross between CLOCKWORK and FORGOTTEN SUNS. Maybe, it is a heavier and prog metal version of AD INFINITUM or something. Melodic heavier prog rock approach is intertwined with prog metal lite sounds. I agree with the fact that sound production is a bit dry side. Even though they have some long epic tracks, so far I enjoy listening to this one. This band is for people who enjoy both prog rock and prog metal lite.

House of Shakira - First Class
Lion Music
(2004)

To be honest, I had not been familiar with this band until recently. In addition, I had been mixed up with Switzland-based band called Shakra and this Swedish band, House of Shakira for a while before I got this cd a few months ago. However, after listening to their latest album, First Class, I come to realize that both House of Shakira and Shakra play quality and melodic hard rock. Coincidently, these guys sound similar to musically, and also band name. Anyway, let's find out what House of Shakira's album closely. Previously, they released three studio albums and one live album. Among AOR and melodic rock fans, House of Shakira has been really well-known and popular. According to the info sheet, they used to be in a different label. Recently, they have signed rising and hard working guitar and prog metal label, Lion Music to release First Class. First impression of this album is really good. Each tune grab my heart really tight and sound production is really good. Very solid and catchy melodic tunes they play. In recent five to ten years, I have not been constantly listening to many melodic rock/AOR bands. But I would like to believe that House of Shakira is one of excellent melodic hard rock bands nowadays. As you know Sweden is a great country producing and offering many many talented bands and musicians in every music field. If you also enjoy melodic hard rock and AOL, you'll hear catchy chorus, melodic guitar lines, rocking grooves, and softer passages from their music. One of their strongest points is definately backing chorus. Backing chorus of House of Shakira is very huge and strong. Unlike other melodic hard rock bands, they minimize using keyboards and synth. Even though they do not rely on keyboards that much, the members of House of Shakira know how to make really good rock music. That is a big plus, indeed. Highly recommended to melodic rock fans in general.