You know, I've alway said that Europeans are great at making music but if there's one genre they specialize in, it has to be Melodic Rock. One of those great bands who have made a name for themselves is WORK OF ART who are a trio of Swedish musicians who so far have released two albums including their debut album "Artwork" in 2008, their sophomore album "In Progress" in 2011 and now here in 2014, we have their third album "Framework" released on Frontiers Records.

I may be a metalhead at heart but deep down I do have a soft spot for Melodic Rock and WORK OF ART is a band I do like as I liked their second album but the big question is, does this third album reflect the same artistic brilliance and passion that we got from "In Progress" or is it time for this trio of artists to put their brushes and canvases away for good? That's what this review is here to find out.

WORK OF ART was formed in 1992 when they met in school and over the years since their formation, the members have always been too busy with other musical commitments and they have had to put the band on hold a couple of times. In 2008, the world finally got to hear just what these Swedish musicians could do when they released their debut album "Artwork" and that laid the foundations for the band so they knew what they needed to do for future releases.

Three years later in 2011, WORK OF ART released their successful sophomore album "In Progress" and since then they have been working on ideas for new songs. In 2013, a couple of new songs was premiered live on stage at the tenth anniversary edition of the FireFest Melodic Rock Festival which is sadly ending this year and the fans got a little taster of what to expect from the new album which will be released on September 15^th 2014 on Frontiers Records.

So was our patience rewarded? I am very delighted to report that yes it was. When you have an album this good, it really is hard to explain why it is so perfect. I guess I'll start with the music. Having already heard their previous two albums, this is easily the most melodic WORK OF ART album to date. I mean don't get me wrong the first two were great but with each new album, the songwriting becomes stronger and the music becomes more astonishing.

When you listen to it, you will be blown away by the level of attention to detail in the music which will send shivers down your spine and make you smile. That's just how good this album is. The band are stronger then ever thanks to Robert Säll's songwriting and the amazing vocal talents of vocalist Lars Säfsund who by the way sings in the band LIONVILLE which I highly recommend you go and check out. Oh and be sure to check out the band W.E.T. which Robert is a member of alongside Jeff Scott Soto from TALISMAN and Erik Martensson from ECLIPSE.

As for the songs themself, there is not a single track you want to skip as each one is a real joy to listen to starting with the opening number "Time to Let Go", the cheerful "The Machine" and the very inspirational "The Turning Point". In fact, it's hard to pick an ultimate favorite song on this album as they are all masterpieces thanks to the catchy melodies, the melodic guitar riffs, the haunting synths, piano and keyboard sounds and the amazing vocal performances that will put a smile on your face and have you singing along to every word as well as rocking out to the music when you do.

If you like your Melodic Rock and if you were expecting the new album from WORK OF ART to be a masterpiece then you will not be disappointed as just like their band name, "Framework" is very much a work of art and an album that deserves a place in the Melodic Rock Hall of Fame and a full score from me as well as the album of the year award, unless something else comes along and takes that crown but until it does, "Framework" will firmly hold onto that crown.