Sweden has long been known as a centre of cutting-edge European metal, but it’s not quite as strongly associated with blues-based hard rock. But that’s what Swedish power trio Kamchatka do, and on the evidence of their sixth album, “Long Road Made of Gold”, they’ve very good at it.
Produced by Russ Russell, known for his work with extreme metal acts such as Napalm Death, it’s an album of tight punchy songs punctuated by short but effective blasts of shredding lead guitar. This isn’t an album that’s doing anything spectacularly original, but the combination of strong songwriting, meaty guitar riffs and a very powerful driving rhythm section still makes for a very enjoyable listen. Russell has done an impressive production job, resulting in a sound so huge it feels like the band are playing live in your living room.
The album kicks off with shredding banjo leading into the opening hard rocker “Take Me Back Home” which demonstrates a lot of their strengths, especially Thomas Juneor Andersson’s soulful vocals. Other highlights include “Get Your Game On” with Tobias Strandvik’s relentless force-of-nature drumming, the slow-burning “Rain” making good use of vocal harmonies, and “Who’s To blame” with its big riff and spectacular guitar break. But this is an album where there’s something to like about every song; there’s no filler at all,. They keep the arrangements tight too, avoiding self-indulgent wig-outs but still leaving enough space for Andersson’s lead guitar to make an impact.
Fashionable British blues-rock bands such as The Temperance Movement have toned down the guitars to make their music more mainstream-friendly for indie-dominated Britain. Kamchatka in contrast, while still rooted in the blues-rock of the 60s and 70s, are far more appealing for those who’s first love is old-school rock and metal. As a modern take on a very traditional form, this album is highly recommended.