As everyone knows, the axis for Hard/Glam Metal and AOR changed from the USA (where both genres ruled supreme from 1983 to 1991) to Europe, especially Sweden. The new generations that came after 2000 from the country got the essence of both genres and made a new and fresh form of them, and the success came with time. Today, it's not so hard to think of two or three names of AOR and Hard/Glam Metal hailing from Sweden. And DEGREED comes again to take the world by assault with "Are You Ready", their latest album.

The essential DNA of North American Hard/Glam pulses on their music, but in a form that allows a lot of AOR influences to enter on the mix, creating a melodic and catchy form of music with a dose of aggressiveness. But if one asks for a name to compare their work, obviously that it can remind a bit the early works of BON JOVI in some ways, but respecting the personality of the quartet that is printed in each song of the album. And the fans will have a massive blow of energy filled with catchy melodies and all the usual features of the genre, but with a fresh outfit. The band's sixth album presents a very good work on the sonority. It's clean and defined to a point where one can understand fully what's being played and expressed by the quartet, but with an essential touch of aggressiveness and distortion. All is working perfectly including the choice for the sets of instrumental tunes.

The songs of the album show an excellent level of quality, so it's easy to listen to and like it. But for those that still needs some references to begin with, the charming melodies boosted by distorted guitars of "Into the Fire" (amazing vocals and choruses), the contrasts between tender parts with energetic moments of "Higher", the abrasive Hard Rock energy that fills of "Feed the Lie", the Bluesy Hard Rock touches of "Are You Ready" (excellent bass guitar and drums parts can be heard here) and "Burning" (excellent catchy and dirty guitars riffs), the accessible "Lost in Paradise" (a typical song that could be a success on radios), and the massive heavy melodies of "We Will Win" will do the job. But once more: this album is excellent in each little moment of music.

For now, enjoy a lot the musical work shown on "Are You Ready", and pay respect to DEGREED.