NICKELBACK / HERE AND NOW (2011)

Since the band's biggest hit, "How You Remind Me", that put Nickelback into the charts and made them a 'bigger' name, they have released several albums and have achieved to build a strong reputation around this Canadian quartet. Their last effort, "Dark Horse", in 2008, was a very successful release and the band's die-hards were anxious for their next step. So, nowadays, Nickelback have released the brand new "Here And Now" and the question is if the band achieved to continue its successful career?

What we have here is a 11 track album full heavy riffs, melodies and Chad Kroeger's passionate performances. The album starts off with the 'metallic' "This Means War". It's an 'angry' and in-your-face rocker that's gonna blow you away! "Bottom's Up" comes next and it's a groovier tune with a nice solo. "When We Stand Together"....damn what a song! It's anthemic, it has a cool acoustic vibe in it and it could be a daily radio air-play! "Midnight Queen" is a hard-hittin rocker while "Gotta Get Some" is overall a good tune!  "Lullaby" is a 'classic' Nickelback song with a huge chorus line and a melody that you wanna whistle for days. Well done! "Kiss It Goodbye" is one of my favourite tracks from the new album and "Tryin' Not To Love You" is one of the best tracks that this band has ever recorded. It's a simple amzing mid-tempo pop rocker with a romantic vibe in it! "Holding On To Heaven" is a good one and the last two tracks of "Here And Now", "Everything I Wanna Do" & "Don't Ever Let It End", are both good songs.

All in all, this is a very interesting release from one of my favourite 'new' bands. I have to say that I'm not impressed 100% by its final result 'cause I wanted some catchier and more memorable choruses by these guys. But lets not complain and focus to the music which is solid with nice arrangements and some very good songs.
HeavyParadise's Rating : 7,5/10

Track List : 1. “This Means War”/ 2. “Bottoms Up”/ 3. “When We Stand Together”/ 4. “Midnight Queen”/ 5. “Gotta Get Me Some”/ 6. “Lullaby”/ 7. “Kiss It Goodbye”/ 8. “Trying Not To Love You”/ 9. “Holding On To Heaven”/ 10. “Everything I Wanna Do”/ 11. “Don’t Ever Let It End”