Mattsson is a name that has become synonymous with
melodic progressive metal fused with symphonic,
neo-classical and ethnic touches. This direction is
continued and taken to a higher level for 'Tango',
the fifth album to be released under the Mattsson banner.
Led by guitarist/composer
Lars Eric Mattsson, 'Tango' sees the collaboration
between Mattsson and vocalist Adrienn Antal who first paired
up on 2008’s 'Dreamchild' release build upon its
predecessors impressive foundations for this overall heavier
release. Yet 'Tango' is arguably more accessible for
the first time listener with tracks such as 'Believe',
'I’ll Find Another Way' and the title track
epitomising this commercial aspect. To add another
voice to the album Mattsson has called upon Status Minor
vocalist Markku Kuikka who darker style contrasts nicely
with Antal’s.
'Tango'
is 11 tracks clocking in at close to 73 minutes of some of
the heaviest riffs and most complex musical passages to date
from Lars, yet within the musical virtuosity there is a
common theme of melody with the albums lyrical inspiration
coming from everyday life and the state of the world.
The song 'The Grand
Escape' is e a mini rock-opera of sorts as it holds a
complete story with sections that could be split into
separate songs. Lars rates this track as "The best piece
of music I have recorded, and it’s certainly different from
anything I have ever done before in terms of structure”.
Mattsson also finds time for a little humour in the
likes of the title track which takes a metal take on the
'Tango' theme with the final product being an eminently
commercial and catchy tune with an almost Abba like feel,
whilst this humour again crops up on the smoky blues of
'Slave To The Road'.
The initial recording for
the album began in June 2009, although 'Slave To The
Road' originates from 2003 originally intended to be on
the Mattsson album 'Power Games'. Recording of the
album continued into January 2010 taking place in 3
different studios in Finland and Hungary before Mattsson set
about the final mix and mastering.
•
Never Stand Down
• Believe
•
Tango
•
The Grand Escape
•
I’ll Find Another Way
•
Shadows
•
The Scream of My Soul
•
The Fire is Burning
•
Chain Me
•
Tour De Force
•
Slave to the Road.
Lars Eric Mattsson – Guitars, bass, keyboards,
sitar, lead and backing vocals on ”The Fire is Burning” and
”The Grand Escape”.
Adrienn Antal – Lead and backing vocals on ”Never
Stand Down”, ”Believe”, ”Tango”, ”The Grand Escape”, ”I’ll
Find Another Way”, ”The Scream of My Soul”, ”Chain Me”.
Markku Kuikka – Lead and backing vocals on
”Believe”, ”The Grand Escape”, ”Shadows”, ”Slave to the
Road”.
Eddie Sledgehammer – Drums and percussion.
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