Swedish band THALAMUS have been around since 2006, consisting of seasoned musicians with decades worth of experience as performers. They released their debut album back in 2007, and four years later the sophomore production “Subterfuge” appeared. “Soul” is their third and most recent album, and was released through Swedish label Transubstans Records in February 2013.
Classic 70’s hard rock is probably a description this band have seen thrown their way a multitude of times at this point. Retro-oriented hard rock as well. And no matter how you regard an album such as this, the combination of elements used in the manner done here will inspire associations of this particular nature by default.
The three core elements of this bands style is a melodic, powerful vocalist with a somewhat toned down, soul-filled voice, compact guitar riffs providing circulating guitar riffs more often than not dark in tone with powerful organ textures hovering on top. The latter of a kind and variety that may or may not be a vintage Hammond.
Obvious references for material of this kind are bands such as Uriah Heep and Deep Purple, and at least for the organ part of the proceedings the spirit of the latter has a distinct presence throughout. The partially supplementing and partially contrasting guitar riffs are often closer to the likes of Black Sabbath however, albeit in a toned down and smooth manner that indicates an influence in that department much further removed and diluted with influences also from quite a few additional sources. The lead vocals of Bergendahl is another presence entirely, more controlled and toned down than any of the major hard rock vocalists of the 70’s. I’ve seen comparisons towards the likes of Glenn Hughes thrown his way and will have to agree that this seems fair.
The end result of this blend isn’t Pink Sabbath or Black Purple however. On some of the initial tracks a more simplistic take inspiring associations towards the likes of The Who are present as well, and in a construction of a gentler kind such as Eleven Maids Procol Harum comes to mind for some reason or other. As for the remaining songs, the overall expression is one lacking the sheer intensity of Deep Purple as well as the downtrodden angst of Black Sabbath. Traces of both and the former in particular is very much a presence, but in a toned down and smooth manner that makes me suspect I should investigate some of the lesser known providers of organ driven hard rock active in the 70’s for associations better fitting.
Personally I found the material at hand to be just a tad to smooth to really inspire. Title track Soul to some extent and Marooned in Space in particular are tracks I’d recommend as album highlights, and as far as a key audience is concerned I’d estimate that fans of Uriah Heep and Deep Purple will still be it, especially those amongst them with a taste for mainstream oriented hard rock with something of an emphasis on smooth, controlled melodies and arrangements. Those fond of AOR should also find a lot to enjoy on this one.
My rating: 65/100
