Year : 2014
Style : Hard Rock , Glam Rock
Country : Sweden
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 100 mb
Bio:
The band was formed in 2002 when John Steen (The King), Ulrik Bostedt ( Speedo) and Tony Samuelsson (The Vicar) spent a high school exchange year in Colorado, USA. Ditching classes, drinking beer and playing rock n roll in the garage worked out pretty fine for the three young fellas. The first vinyl ep “Marvellous” was released through the small NY based label “New York Powerhitters” and the band got airtime on several college radio stations before they left USA and returned to Sweden with lousy grades, but high spirits. Two other vinyl eps (Heroine Tracks, Bedlam at the embassy)were released the following years through Swedish indie labels. The first album, titled “Five Smell City” after their hometown Linköping (known locally as the city of five smells ) was followed by a ep with cover tracks (Unleashed) ranging from Bon Jovi, Parliament, KISS and Robyn. Constant touring and airplay has helped the band building a very loyal fanbase in Europe. And the second album “Thunderblood Heart” took the band to a new level in 2007.During the all these years Märvel has gone through some changes. The earlier records shows a band in superhero costumes, and the members called themselves “Vocalo, The Ambassador and Animalizer”. These alter egos have been abandoned in favor of “The King, The Vicar and Speedo”.New times sometimes need new personas. Since the bassist Ulrik Bostedt (Speedo) isn’t allowed to cross the Swedish borders another character, The Aviator, has taken his place on tour abroad and recently a third bassist , The Burgher has joined the band. Märvel don´t believe in replacing members, they add members. So for those who are counting, Märvel is a power trio with five members.In 2009 Märvel released a single sided one track vinyl 7” titled “A Pyrrhic Victory” and early in 2011 it was time for the third album “Warhawks Of War” with guests such as Dregen (Backyard Babies) and Robert Dahlqvist (Hellacopters) followed by yet another tour through Europe and 23 weeks of rotation on national Swedish radio (P3).Warhawks Of War features a more versatile sound without losing the bands roots in high energy rock n roll. The twelve tracks ranges from soft almost caressing slaps on the cheek to fully forced knuckle punches straight to the nose. Märvels music has been described as sweaty group sex with The Hellacopters, Turbonegro and Electric Six at a KISS-themed childrens party. Throw some 60s soul and 80s metal (the good kind) in the mix and you are getting pretty close to the truth. Märvel consists of The King, The Vicar and The Burgher whose masked live performances have earned the band a steady growing, very loyal, fanbase with an Army of fan clubs in 11 countries all over the world.Following the success of Warhawks Of War MÄRVEL also played clubs (Debaser Slussen, Debaser Malmö, Sticky Fingers etc.) all over Sweden in 2011 and finished off that year with supporting Michael Monroe at a big new years eve party in Helsinki, Finland.June 1:st 2012 they released another 7” with the track METALHEAD on side A that quickly got good rotation on US college radio stations and they also performed at the Muskelrock festival in Sweden in May. The summer of 2012 will be ended with a gig at the Skogsröjet festival in Sweden.
Album:
Band from Linköping, Sweden. John Steen, Ulrik Bostedt and Tony Samuelsson founded Märvel in 2002 during a exchange program.When it comes to the image of the band a lot of things are slightly different - or unique. The masks became almost a kind of trademark for the band. For me bit childish, but however. The names like The King, The Vicar and The Burgher are also unusual and some story are also a bit crazy. The King describes the title "Hadal Zone Express" as their version of "Highway to hell", which is "a fast paced rollercoaster down into the darkest realms of Hades". Hmmmm, OK.Regardless if you like all those gimmicks or not, the music is good. Mainly influenced by the 70's glam rock the songs have a high entertainment factor. Already the short 1:22 long opener with its piano parts makes just fun to listen to. Actually the song tranpsorts so much energy that you just want to move. You could almost believe that the album has also a song which picks up a big topic in Germany at the moment - "Black money". The high pace track is a cool rock'n'roller which for sure will become a highlight of each show. Another track which fits to this pattern is the blazing fast "Danish rush". The riffy tune just shakes your body. There are also slower songs on the album. One example is the grooving "Until the sun comes to wake. The tune has a galloping beat and a gorgeous melody. When it comes to "Dead rock'n'roller" I'm happy that nomen isn't omen. The song is very much alive and could come from the Rocky Horror Picture Show.All in all "Hadal zone express" is a great album for all fans of 70's (glam) rock. T-Rex and the early Kiss are recognisable and find a revival in the songs from Märvel. Spring time music.
Line Up:
John Steen - Guitar & Vocals
Ulrik Bodstedt - Bass
Tony Samuelsson - Drums
Tracklist:
01. Baptism
02. Dead Rock ‘n’ Roller
03. Hadal Zone Express
04. Black Money
05. Long Overdue
06. Until The Sun Comes To Wake
07. Danish Rush
08. Remember
09. Yesterday (is just another day)
10. My Reward
11. Forgettable
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
