ADRENALINE RUSH, originally based out of Stockholm, Sweden, is a five-piece band which started in 2012 and released their first album, "Adrenaline Rush", soon after. Since then, they've undergone several lineup changes but overall have come out stronger as a band due to those experiences. The group performed for the first time at the prestigious Frontiers Rock Festival, and have gone on to headline and hold supporting positions at countless gigs all over Europe. All of the members are Rock and Metal veterans; bassist Fox, for example, is an ex-member of both DYNAZTY and SINIESTRO. Wanning, on the other hand, was a child star in Sweden who branched off into her own solo singing career as she gained more experience singing and performing. That brings me to my next point. It's very unusual to see a successful Hard Rock and especially a Heavy Metal band with a female lead vocalist. Only a few come to mind; DORO, ARCH ENEMY, and DELAIN. They're a rare breed. To make it big in Rock as a woman is no small feat. In their newest album, ADRENALINE RUSH says they've branched out from Melodic Rock and brought something darker and heavier in their tone so that their fans can "...enjoy the Rush!"

"Adrenaline", the first track, is a blazing mix of thumping Hard Rock and a Melodic groove. The wailing guitars and powerful drum riffs give the song a definite 80's throwback vibe, while Wanning's voice adds an element of uniqueness while keeping the Rock n' Roll power going strong. The choruses are a standout element here, as they're highly sing-able and catchy as anything. In "Love Like Poison", the band brings the heaviness they promised. The rhythmic guitar and bass riffs combined with the sultry, intense vocal melodies create an emotion-filled Hard Rock anthem about love and loss. The rollicking harmonies and multi-layered vocal tracks add depth to this track, and the guitar solo is absolutely electrifying. Soderlindh truly knows how to captivate an audience, and manages to blast out rhythmically and tonally flawless riffs like it's no big deal.

"Breaking the Chains" has a more Modern Metal/ Alt Rock feel than some of the previous songs. The background instrumental tracks go from a toned-down rhythmic ambience to an explosion in the chorus. This allows the listener to hear both Wanning's isolated vocals and how she melds her voice into the guitar and bass harmonies in the chorus. Again, the hooks here were incredibly catchy and while this song seemed a bit repetitive, it definitely has the potential for a radio hit. In the title track, "Soul Survivor", things get pretty intense with a cinematic keyboard intro and a melancholy vocal melody. The drums and bass twist together to create a strong foundation for the singing, and the contrast between Wanning's exposed, raw vocals in the verses and her forceful style in the chorus is striking. While this song isn't one of the band's fist-pumping Rock anthems, it still boasts an attitude and a power that lets it rise to the top.

"Stand My Ground" is another song that has an obvious 80's kick, reinforced by the chugging guitars and bass and rhythmically precise drum riff. The vocals in this song were some of the best on the album. The passion and energy were both at top levels. The same pattern of catchy hooks and a powerful chorus was in place here, and while this song could be a radio hit, it was complex and one of my favorites. "Sinner" starts off with a quick suspenseful buildup, then charges into a pounding guitar melody which weaves around the vocals and creates something enchanting. The cinematic element that presides in many of ADRENALINE RUSH's songs helps to create interest and add an extra blast of energy. The solo here is a traditionally-styled moment of insanity, with Soderlindh packing as many notes as he can into the riff.

In "Shock Me", rhythm plays a vital part in establishing the tone of this track. It's a bit reminiscent of "Persistence of Time"era ANTHRAX, at least as far as the pulsing guitar riffs go, and the chorus is classic Hard Rock sleaze. The perfect balance of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock was achieved here, and that's a feat that the band should be proud of. "Wild Side" is not to be confused with the MÖTLEY CRÜE song of the same name. While this track had some strong points; namely, the melody in the chorus and the technical precision of the drum riffs, it just seemed a little lackluster compared to some of the other songs on the album. However, the guitar solo was absolute madness here, and blew me away. The technique almost reminded me of Alexi Laiho of CHILDREN OF BODOM, who is arguably one of the best modern Metal guitarists.

In "Don't Wake Me Up," the band sets up a strong Blues-Rock groove which stays strong throughout the song. This is another killer anthem. The chorus has the slightest twang of Southern Rock, but that's not to say it isn't heavy. The guitars and bass together electrify the melody, and the drums unite all the elements into one cohesive piece which stands out from the rest of the album with its Bluesy Pop-Rock vibe. "Crash" is a strong end to the album, with distorted, growling guitar riffs juxtaposed with Wanning's clean, high vocals. This track has so many shifts in speed, rhythm, and tone that it constantly keeps the listener on their toes and retains an element of interest throughout. The chorus, as always, is intensely catchy and energizing, and the screaming solo added the extra "wow" factor that is sure to impress.

Overall, ADRENALINE RUSH's name spells out just what they are; a refreshing, energy-filled rush of youthful Hard Rock. The direction they've turned since their debut album has undoubtedly made their sound stronger, and while a few tracks tended to get lost behind the others, the group's extensive talent and distinctive sound certainly make up for it.