Hopefully, you will all remember Rock-Zone UK raving about our new find, Nubian Rose – not just their fabulous debut, “Mountain” but also the storming performance that they put in at the inaugral HRH AOR? Centring on the magnetic charisma and majestic voice of Sofia Lilja, combined with the unique talent of guitarist Christer Åkerlund. In combination with powerful guitar riffs and great melodies, their self financed debut attracted a great deal of media attention … and it was totally justified.
Back for 2014 with album number two, “Mental Revolution” is clearly a step forward. The production is more edgy and bigger in every way; drums and guitars are dominating together with more of the great melodies that Christer and Sofia developed on the “Mountain”. Christer and Sofia’s cooperation as a songwriting duo has deepend and matured. It’s obvious that the roots of the music is coming from the same place as before but with ‘Mental Revolution‘ they take it to a whole new dimension.
Opening track “War” lulls you into a false sense of security with the opening bars sug by an almost religious choir … and then? BOOM – double bass drum and blistering riff takes control before Sofia’s amazing vocal kicks in. This is followed by “Time Again” – clocking in at an almost prog like 6 minutes 10 seconds, there is an almost cinematic quality to the song, with light, shade and variety.
Yet, the album isn’t all dark and mysterious. “Tough Guys Don’t Dance” sounds like the story of every night at a club I ever had in my youth. Kind of like something a classier more refined Motley Crue would produce this is really a fun song – full of cowbell and chant along chorus.
First choice of single “Break Out” is accompanied by a video which reflects Sofia’s African roots – the true warrior queen. Check out the video here:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45QRpHnfYFQ]Each listen brings something new to your attention – one time the song writing, the next the guitar playing, Sofia’s voice, even the production (courtesy of the multi-talented Mr Åkerlund). All of this makes this one of the must have albums of 2014 – in a year of so many extremely strong releases, this is up there with the best of the best!
All we need now is for Nubian Rose to tread the boards on a bigger UK tour – then you too can be stunned by Sofia’s voice!
Track Listing
01. War
02. Time Again
03. Illuminated Within
04. The Eye
05. Tough Guys Don’t Dance
06. Break Out
07. Higher
08. You Will Never Walk Alone
09. (Taking This) Further
10. All Of Your Love
“Mental Revolution” is available NOW through Livewire/Cargo Records
Nubian Rose are:
Sofia Lilja – Vocals
Christer Åkerlund – Lead Guitars
Henric Uhrbom – Bass
Tomas Weijnesjö – Drums
Torbjörn Weijnesjö – Rhythm Guitar
Produced by Christer Åkerlund
Engineerd by Jakob Herrmann
Mixed by Tobias Lindell (HEAT, Europe, Hardcore Superstar)
Cover artwork by Mattias Savage Wil
Photos by Tallee Savage (Savage Beauty)
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