Jaded Heart have actually overcome all odds and managed to deliver just what the title promises: a "Helluva Time". Honestly, this comes as a surprise since all hope had been abandoned for the band once
Michael Bormann departed. Whether he was kicked out or left on his own devices remains to be seen, the only sure piece of info was that he was gone. To me, and many others, there could really be no
Jaded Heart without Bormann, kind of like how you can't imagine
Whitesnake without David Coverdale. He was the heart and core of the band, being not only the lead singer, but the main song supplier. He had a hand in writing nearly everything and thus the essence of the music naturally reflected his musical direction and tastes. This clashed with where the remainder of the band saw their future heading, and Bormann was as of 2004 no longer the binding gel of
Jaded Heart. A kiss of death for more dependant bands, but not for this one apparently. They rose up to the challenge and have delivered a smashing album.
But former J'Heart fans beware, this is not at all where they left off, but rather a rebirth that sees them transforming into an all new variation on the
AOR theme. It's a little heavier, much slicker and Scandi-oriented, recalling more of the likes of
Fate/Treat/Craaft rather than a German
Whitesnake or
Def Leppard. It's definitely all good, and the new singer, Johan Fahlberg has a nice range, icy cool accent and hits those high notes effortlessly. The rest of the band turns in great performances as usual, even a little more inspired than when we last heard them on 2004's "Trust". The
Jaded Heart vehicle was getting a little rusty then, though still enjoyable, so maybe this new blood has benefited the band. Production-wise we are treated to a lush musical atmosphere that melds the keys and all the excessive axework together well. Very crisp and clean, and sounding quite sharp even on higher end equipment, another unexpected surprise.
The first half of the album is simply loaded with great tunes.
"Tomorrow Comes" is a powerful anthem that combines arena rock with strong rhythm riffing and a heavy fat bottom ended sound. Gloss that over with ripples of Scandi-
AOR goodness, especially in the chorus and melodies and you get one fine way to kick off a disc.
"Hole In My Heart" doesn't let up either, it's an aggressive piece that has a rich, darker vibe...and they keep on going, building on the strengths and cutting out the weaknesses for the moody arena rocker
"Somewhere", the brilliance of
"Dreams You'll Never See" that sparkles and shines like a case of diamonds at Zales, and
"Who's Fooling" that is kind of like what would happen if you threw
Fate and
Bon Jovi in a blender.
The Anastacia cover of
"Paid My Dues" turns a pop song into a powerhouse track. This one was apparently screaming for a hard rock treatment, judging by the way they manhandle this tune for a metal manipulation. A few of the verses are a little sparse compared to the abundance of musical activity that keeps the original material vibrant and fresh, but that's the only dead giveaway. Otherwise, the band makes themselves right at home and makes the song their own. It's also quite cute the way the words
"jaded heart" are emphasized in the lyrics by a sudden onslaught of gang vocals just to call attention to that very moment. Kind of like
"hey! that's US!"
"Without You" is a little ho-hum as ballads go, but the crunchy, gritty grind of
"Love & Desire" puts them back in line to blaze through the remainder of the album. It's not quite up to the standards of others here, but since it's a bit of a departure, is a welcome change at this point of the disc.
"Shores of Paradise" is a killer however, and one of my favs. It could easily be a more melodic track from a power metal album, with its crazy guitar work and thunderous chorus that just sails on the rough waters of a thunder tossed sea. The notes Johan are holding are fantastically amazing. He should be working the mic in a power metal band, that voice just belongs with it, but yet with the harder bent this band is taking, it's a great match for this direction in music too. Deliciously yummy. Like
AOR mixed with Stratovarius. The following track,
"Frozen Heart" is also like power metal lite. No one is going to get this mixed up with adult contemporary music. It just rocks too hard but also is delivered with a keen passion.
"Love to Live" even ends "Helluva Time" on a harsh metallic note that seems lightly influenced by power metal from their hailing country. Fast, furious and infectious, a perfect way to end the disc. Holy shiat is this ever a fine piece of music. There are overblown moments that are reminiscent of
Def Leppard in the vocal harmonies, guitarwork that absolutely slays by Barish Kepic, and there's this slower lyrical bit by Johan that is downright sinister. A song like this gets the blood boiling and puts the enthusiasm for the genre right back in your heart where it belongs. A renewal not only for the band, but for melodic rock in general. An awesomely executed piece that colours me impressed.
I thought I would miss Bormann but I was wrong. Despite as good as "The
Journey Will Never End" was, this here is the best disc that
Jaded Heart has popped out since "IV" back in 1999.
Die hard fans might balk at the new direction, because it certainly isn't the same band they remember from the glory days of "Slaves and Masters" and "Mystery Eyes" (two superb albums I might add), and perhaps it isn't necessarily a better band either, but they must be given props by not only delivering a monster of a disc, but one that doesn't simply tread stagnant waters. And even being a
Michael Bormann fan, previously skeptical of JH's future without his presence, "Helluva Time" is so superbly done it's left me asking: "Bormann...who?"
Written by
Alanna Friday, October 21, 2005
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