There are always expectations when dealing with a band formed by known musicians. It’s obvious that speculations of how things will sound, especially when the musicians involved in the project are equally known and experienced. The best way to deal with is simple: expect nothing, just wait to hear. And “Closer to the Truth” comes to show what KINGS CROWN got. Names as GYPSY ROSE, DOGFACE, SHY, PHENOMENA, SWEET and Glenn Hughes are in the roll of experience these five guys carry on their careers, And the album depicts a mix between Hard Rock of the 70s with some Bluesy touches with the energy of the same genre during the 80s. It’s not a sin to say that influences of acts as LED ZEPPELIN, WHITESNAKE (on its early ages), BAD COMPANY, but with a modern energy inherited from bands as HANOI ROCKS, always with catching melodies that are natural of Swedish Hard Rock scene.

It’s obvious that such a formula was used many times in the past (TESLA and CINDERELLA did it on the 80s), but in the hands of the quintet, it gains a new life and identity. “Closer to the Truth” was recorded, mixed, and mastered at JM Studio, with Martin (the band’s founder and guitarist) taking care of all these duties on studio (of course, he worked on his own studio, for he knows how to do things). And it’s a hit on the target, because the sonority bears the organic appeal of the 70s with the modern definition that allows the fans to understand what’s being expressed. Yes, it’s really a great work on the sonority!

Musically, even being a side project of a workaholic musician, “Closer to the Truth” sounds compact and solid as a heavy rock, having great moments on “It’s Too Late” (the mix between 70s and 80s influences is excellent, boosted by a Bluesy touch with charming melodies and great guitars’ arrangements and riffs), “Servant” (the massive weight of this one comes from 70s, and it’s adorned by fine keyboards parts), “Still Alive” (a frantic and Hard ‘n’ Roll with the weight and energy of the 80s, but with a modern appeal, with excellent vocals), “Stranger” and “Down Below” (two aggressive songs tempered with sweet melodies, and what heavy artillery is used on bass guitar and drums along with charming backing vocals), “Closer to the Truth” (a more accessible and melodic song that would be a radio hit during the 80s, with all the band working in a high level), “Don’t Hide” (another fine Hard Rock song with boosted 80s energetic appeal), and “Darkest Of Days”. But all the songs deserve to be heard, and loud!

How lovely it is to hear a release as “Closer to the Truth” today, with such a mix, and I hope that KINGS CROWN won’t stay as a ‘one-album-band’ due its great value.