Topplock “Overlord”
Heptown Records
Having formed in 2011, Swede’s Topplock have really transformed their sound from their Witchcraft inspired debut, Topplock Blues EP. Through the singles, Tor and the wonderfully titled, Boogie Till You Barf, Topplock were essentially a Blues influenced Rock band, but for this, their debut album, there’s a new metallic edge to their sound.
I don’t know if they had a bigger recording budget or if they’ve just gelled more as a band, but this is definitely the rocket fuelled version of Topplock. Older fans of the bands need not fear the eradication of their older sound though, it’s still here, it’s just a bit louder than before.
Singer, Magnus Nilsson occasionally veers into Ozzy territory, especially on the title track, which kicks off the album in mighty fine style and that sets the tone for the new rockier Topplock. There’s another style that’s nagging away at my old braincell. It might be that of Burke Shelley from Budgie… but then again, I could be completely wrong on that comparison.
The star for me though, is the guitar work. Man, there are some stunning solos on this album, as well as a few more mellow moments, which slay just as much as the rip roaring ones.
Signals From Heaven is one of the more tranquil numbers, it hints at some old Thin Lizzy, before developing a more Doomy stomp. The guitar work though, it’s just mesmerizing… like Tony Iommi on fire, it just builds and builds, before the songs changes track, like Sabbath did so often, a la Snowblind…
The most satisfying part of the album is left to last, as Son of a Gun brings the album to the finale it deserves. The solo this time, sounds like it’s from a from a Southern Boogie anthem, albeit a bit shorter than the likes of Freebird. The solo is underpinned by the most glorious of stomps and I hope the band decide to extend this to about 10 minutes, because they could have one of the greatest anthems of all time on their hands if they do.
I’m sure the band are really happy with how the album has turned out as it’s really very good indeed. It pays homage to some of the greats from the 70s, while at the same time feeling very fresh and invigorating, and as an old rocker, I can’t ask for any more than that.
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