After years laid on the sands of the past without being used, during the 90s (thanks to Grunge Rock and to Stoner Rock/Metal), people rediscovered the main sonorities of the past, and many started to used it. Of course that on the early ages of the rebirth of old genres, there were huge numbers of clones, but as time passed by, the bands learned that they don’t need be new versions of BLUE CHEER, THE CREAM, THE WHO, THE BEATLES, THE ROLLING STONES, THE YARDBIRDS or others ‘the’s’ one can think of, but be themselves, an things improved a lot since then. One good ame is SVARTANATT, from Sweden. And “Last Days on Earth”, their new album, shows such thing.

This album (their third full length) is filled with a gloomy feeling, because the title isn’t just a name, but depicts what is saw today, what brings a deeper sense of distress. But add it to their formula of what could be called ‘retro-Hard Rock’, added by elements of Psychedelic Rock and Progressive Rock (all worked on a personal way), and a huge and melodic form of music is born. One can say that this formula is already in use by many bands, but these guys uses it on a particular way full of melodic hooks, filled with strategic hooks and choruses, and all working in great shape. Yes, it’s really very good.

“Last Days on Earth” was recorded and mixed by Martin Borgh, with the mastering done by Hans Olsson Brookes (who worked previously with BLUES PILLS). All efforts were done to an updated form of dealing with such genre: the album sounds organic and simple, without endless digital adjustments; but things were done with care to keep the songs understandable to anyone.

On the songs, no one can complain about a thing, because the band’s identity is the same of their past releases. But to have an initial taste on it, the lazy ones can begin with “Demons in the Night” (a savage and groundbreaking song with charming melodies, excellent chorus and excellent vocals), “Mad Stranger” (an accessible and charming song with excellent melodies with guitars and keyboards entangling and creating the right ambiences), “The Crows” (a more melodic song with tender melodies), “Child of the Devil” (a frantic Hard Rock with solid rhythms created by bass guitar and drums), “Children of the Sun” (what lovely melancholic appeal with clean chords and vocals), “Texas Dance” (a frantic show of charming guitar riffs and vocals, with fine arrangements on the keyboards as well) and “Where I Belong”.

“Last Days on Earth” is really a fine release for fans of retro-Rock tendencies, but to be honest, SVARTNATT is a very good name to be heard and enjoyed.