REVIEW : W.E.T. --- Earthrage (Frontiers Music s.r.l., March 2018)

Finally, a new W.E.T. album is ready and loaded!! One of my favorite 'new' bands from the melodic rock/hard rock scene strikes back with a brand new album with the title "Earthrage". W.E.T. is a band that consists of Robert Säll (the “W” from Work of Art), Erik Mårtensson (the “E” from Eclipse) Jeff Scott Soto (the “T” from Talisman), guitarist Magnus Henriksson and drummer Robban Bäck.

Their debut album, back in 2009, was (and still is) a classic melodic rock album and one of the best of its kind. Melodies to die for, amazing vocal lines, superb hook-lines and a tight as hell musicianship were the ingredients of that piece of an art. "Rise Up" the band's next record was edgier in some parts but again it was yet another superb sample of W.E.T.'s music.

"Earthrage" kicks-off with the amazing tune of "Watch The Fire". A song that sounds like a leftover of Eclipse's latest efforts that includes both Erik and Jeff on vocals and a mind-blowing chorus line to sing-a-long for days. With "Burn" we have another killer track out of the new album. Edgier, 'punchier', anthemic and in one word; awesome!! "Kings On Thunder Road", the mid-tempo "Elegantly Wasted" and the melodious heavy rocker of "Urgent" are three more strong samples of W.E.T.'s music.

With "Dangerous" the band delivers one of the best tracks here; melodic to the bone with a chorus line to die for and J.S Soto's powerful vocals on front row "Dangerous" is a track that will make you push the repeat button again and again!! Man, I love this one! "Calling Out Your Name" is pure candy in my ears. Another killer track with a strong Eclipse-esque vibe in it, a monster hook line and some inspired guitar lines "Calling Out Your Name" is build up for big arenas!!

It's time for the first ballad of "Earthrage". "Heart Is On The Line" is a fine ballad, emotional and very 80's. I really love the choir in this song that gives a more epic and Def Leppard-ish feeling to the final result. Excellent, just excellent song!!!

"I Don't Wanna Play That Game" is a more commercial track that includes a feel-good chorus line and it's the typical 'positive' song (if you know what I mean :-) ). The album closes with two more very good songs; the heavier "The Burning Pain Of Love" and the melodic "The Never Ending Retraceable Dream".

W.E.T. with their brand new "Earthrage" are back for good!! This is an album that is pure melodic hard rock bliss at the highest order, period! Super melodic, powerful, catchy as hell and with superb performances that's gonna make you wet "Earthrage" is probably the best record of 2018 so far!!! 

Rating : 10/10