DEAF RAT is an up-and-coming Hard Rock band from Falun, Sweden, who have recently unveiled their 10-track-long debut album, "Ban The Light" via AFM Records. Since it can only be expected that Swedish musicians will deliver impressive and cunning artistic craftsmanship, it would be easier to cut to the chase, and, long story short, this record undeniably proves to be a quality debut release.

With its tenner catalog, "Ban The Light" impresses on numerous fronts: musicianship, performance and composition. It does seem as if Rich, Kramer and Lander, being the leading three of the bunch, are talented composers. Curious readers might want to indulge themselves with tracks from the record's second half - such as "Bad Blood", "Make You Suffer", "Welcome To Hell" and title-track "Ban The Light", which are quick to be determined as the album's highlights. Gratitude to DEAF RAT's rather eccentric and variant stylistic palette, "Ban The Light" didn't become anything similar to a 'typical' Hard Rock record, and the mentioned above tracks are the realization of the band's abilities.

There are things that can be deemed to be the record's weaker ends. One of those things, if not the most disappointing of all, is the lyrical theme; honestly, it just feels like the band tried to write 'evil' lyrics to rather softer and more emotional lyrical concept, which does feel like an old-fashioned and worn-out lyrical guise. Second of all, Frankie Rich's higher pitches can be slightly cringing at certain moments, especially in "Ban The Light"s earlier numbers. "Bad Blood" is where I believe Rich's comfortable vocal range lies - and if the sophomore record builds up around that instead of the higher ranges, the sound can be a lot more pleasing.

Overall, "Ban The Light" is a step in the right direction for the rookies DEAF RAT. It is a feisty Hard Rock debut record, with terrific instrumentation and compositions, and if you are a fan of eccentric and eclectic Hard Rock acts, DEAF RAT must find its place on your watch list for the years to come.