HAREM SCAREM - Thirteen

December 16, 2014, 9 years ago

(Frontiers)

Kelley Simms

Rating: 8.0

review hard rock harem scarem

HAREM SCAREM - Thirteen

After Harem Scarem’s 2013 release of Mood Swings II — the re-recorded version of their career-defining album Mood Swings, originally released in 1993 — the Canadian melodic rockers have returned with Thirteen, its first new material in six years. Its 10 tracks possess everything Harem Scarem is known for: soaring vocal harmonies, infectious guitar riffs and insanely-catchy choruses (just try resisting “All I Need”). The signature guitar sound of Pete Lesperance is still intact. He’s obviously an avid player who lives and breathes the guitar, and it really shows on Thirteen. And although former drummer Darren Smith is off singing with Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel, he supplies background vocals here. Vocalist Harry Hess still sounds fantastic after all these years and he provides an uplifting performance throughout the disc. Harem Scarem has a knack for writing memorable and impactful tunes, and every single song here fits the bill. “Garden Of Eden” is a trademark Harem Scarem song and proves to be a strong opening. “The Midnight Hours”, about the music industry, possesses smoothly-played keyboards, tasty guitar licks and soaring vocal harmonies. “Live It” carries a huge ’80s style chorus reminiscent of Tesla or Damn Yankees. “Whatever It Takes” melodically speaks to you and the band’s inspiration is heartfelt. “Stardust,” with its slinky, bluesy swagger and soaring vocal harmonies goes out on an uplifting high note which seems well-planned. Music can be an inspiring thing in one’s life, and Thirteen will fulfill the listener’s expectations.



Featured Video

KELEVRA - "The Distance"

KELEVRA - "The Distance"

Latest Reviews