Writing catchy, uplifting, and high-energy anthems while also keeping things diverse and interesting is not as easy as it may seem at first glance. However, some bands have found their rhythm and strategy which allows them to consistently put out hit singles and great albums. ECLIPSE is definitely one such band as one year after releasing “Megalomanium,” the Swedes are back with “Megalomanium II,” which will be out on September 20th, 2024, on Frontiers Music.
This being the second part of what was revealed to be a double album, it should go without saying that the sound design is similar to their previous release, with an emphasis on strong melodies, catchy choruses, amazing guitar parts, and soaring vocals. This means that the eleven tracks are memorable, hooky, and highly anthemic complete with a feel-good vibe to them. Single “Apocalypse Blues” is a prime example in this sense, as it’s a hook-laden number with sanguine (almost uplifting) lyrics despite the wording of the title. It works wonderfully as an opening track as it puts the listeners in a great mood from the get-go.
However, what makes this album so enjoyable is the way in which ECLIPSE play around with various ambiances and atmospheres as the majority of the songs convey a different mood. If the aforementioned “Apocalypse Blues” is a borderline optimistic and upbeat number, “The Spark” is more energetic and heavy, sporting a killer guitar riff, a big chorus section with beautifully harmonized/layered vocals and melodies galore. On the other hand, the up-tempo track “Falling to My Knees” has a subtle retro vibe going for it that elevates the chorus and makes it a rather fun track to rock out to (especially around the blazing solo) while earworm “All I Want” rides high on a massive groove carried by the rhythm section (most notably the drumming) that underpins the soaring vocals and lively instrumentals.
The melancholy “Still My Hero” brings back the ‘80s vibes but it’s more reserved and maybe even a bit somber in nature with deeply personal and intimate lyrics that will surely resonate with many listeners. Power ballad “Dive into You” is the album’s most beautiful and lush moment boasting subtle but powerful instrumentals that leave enough space for Erik Mårtensson’s emotional vocal delivery to touch the listeners and induce shivers; Magnus Henriksson’s solo is a show-stopper in itself, well-crafted and well-executed that only works to enhance the song’s delicate and wistful ambiance. The mood shifts again with the Western-inspired intro of “Until the War is Over,” a grand melodic rocker that in between the massive chorus, intense verses, and some Western melodies manages to create quite an impression.
Up next, potential live hits “Divide & Conquer” and “Pieces” have stadium anthem written all over them; from the powerful vocals and gritty guitars all the way to the driving rhythms and sing-along choruses, they deliver superbly on all fronts. Folky ballad “To Say Goodbye” is a stunner of a track that is equal parts emotional and melodic with a great guitar riff that pops up a few times and a serene atmosphere as the vocals take the listeners on a rollercoaster ride. Closing off this awesomeness of an album is “One in a Million” which boasts chugging guitars, gritty vocals, and a soaring, melodic chorus and stands as a testament that ECLIPSE can also juggle heavier soundscapes with ease.
ECLIPSE have become quite a force to be reckoned with on the Swedish scene and – based on the incredible strength of this album – they don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. They have refined their brand of melodic hard rock and honed their craft to such a degree that I don’t find anything cocky about them taking pride in their work and putting out a double album entitled “Megalomanium.” For all intents and purposes, “Megalomanium II” is a solid rock album boasting everything you can expect from the genre from commanding vocals and thrilling guitar parts all the way to the well-written lyrics, excellent songwriting, and emotional depth, there’s nothing to fault here. The fact that most of the songs are short numbers (between three and four minutes) only maximizes the catchiness factor of the melodies without ever feeling like they have overstayed their welcome. This aspect, coupled with an impressive diversity of sounds and moods, makes “Megalomanium II” a wonderful collection of rock tracks, soulful ballads, and stadium anthems.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
- Apocalypse Blues
- The Spark
- Falling to My Knees
- All I Want
- Still My Hero
- Dive into You
- Until The War Is Over
- Divide & Conquer
- Pieces
- To Say Goodbye
- One in A Million
Lineup
Erik Mårtensson – Vocals
Magnus Henriksson – Guitars
Philip Crusner – Drums
Victor Crusner – Bass
Label
Frontiers Music
