Written: 17th September 2024
Last year, Swedish rock band Eclipse released the well received and critically acclaimed Megalomanium. Seemingly intent to deliver more of the same, the quartet prepare to unleash their eleventh album Megalomanium II. Vocalist Erik Mårtensson commented on the upcoming release, “If you thought the title of our previous record was proof of us suffering from delusions of grandeur, then you’re absolutely right. The only way we could top it was to make another one. Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you, Megalomanium II.”
Opener Apocalypse Blues begins with pulsating synths, reminiscent of Kenny Loggins’ Danger Zone, before drums and guitars descend in melodic attack. With a typically anthemic chorus, Apocalypse Blues immediately draws in the listener, igniting the senses and established the dynamic interplay between Magnus Henrikkson’s gripping guitar work and Mårtensson’s impassioned vocals. Intricate harmonies and soaring solos further emphasis the band’s compositional prowess and their innate ability to entertain. Recent single, The Spark brings a slightly different atmosphere to the album. Slightly slower paced but no less memorable, the song’s verses are replete with varied instrumentation as the band adopt a heavier approach to the riffs while experimental synths swirl. “We’ve been toying around with this idea for probably the last three records now and I’m really happy we gave it time to develop it” says guitarist Henriksson, speaking about the track earlier in the year. “Musically, it’s like a weird mix of heavy Eclipse and almost EDM like melodies. I have no idea how we ended up here, all I know is that taking this one to the stage should be awesome!” The chorus is a veritable earworm with the band creating a hook that is both memorable and affecting. It certainly worked well as part of their set at Stonedead Festival in the UK in August.
Falling To My Knees keeps both the tempo and the energy of the album high. Eclipse have ensnared their audience and are not about to let go. Another high-octane rocker that harkens back to the band’s earlier work, Falling To My Knees is rammed with driving rhythms and infectious hooks. Lyrically painting a picture of a man caught between for his desire for independence and the inescapable pull of love and longing, the track balances virtuosity with melodic sensibilities. The first previously unreleased track on the album - All I Want - has the tinge of Bryan Adams about it: vibrant, spirited and exuberant. While Still My Hero – albeit with a more poignant lyrical approach – displays Eclipse’s penchant for the traits of alluring pop rock.
There is variety to be found on Meglalomanium II and slower power ballad Dive Into You changes the mood on the album and for some reason, I cannot shake the similarity in feel and vocal delivery - during the verses at least – to I Don’t Love You by My Chemical Romance. A well constructed and melancholic track, it showcases Mårtensson’s vocal range and creates a sense of haunting intimacy. Until The War Is Over - more grandiose in nature – ramps up the tempo once more, while adding further elements of diversity with its intermittently Western style.
Eclipse have certainly gone all out to please their fans and on tracks such as Divide and Conquer – a ferocious, unyielding powerhouse of a tune – and Pieces - an impressively emotive melodic rocker – the quartet continue to prove just how dynamic their songwriting can be. “This band is on a continuous journey trying to find new avenues to explore. Having said that, Megalomanium II is probably closer to what people mostly associate Eclipse with. It’s filled to the brim with large choruses, beautiful melodies and some amazing guitar playing. I’m totally unbiased, by the way!” Magnus Henriksson states.
The album ends with a brilliant double whammy. Firstly, the ebbs and flows of To Say Goodbye unveil one of Mårtensson’s best performances on an album of incredible adept vocals. This is followed by the initially moody One In A Million – just listen to the ominous bass tones from Victor Crusner, whose rhythm partnership with brother Philip is vast and indomitable across the length of the album. One of the heavier tracks on Megalomanium II, it stakes its claim – alongside Divide and Conquer – as the best song here.
Twenty-five years after their formation, Eclipse show absolutely no signs of slowing down. They are making albums on their own terms and fans who enjoyed Megalomanium will welcome this new release with open arms. Fans of melodic hard rock will find the album scintillating from start to finish. Combining the mellifluous with the ensnaring, melodies and hooks linger like an enchanting incantation. Meticulously crafted, the band ensure that the album retains a captivating attraction even in its heaviest moments. Each and every track on the album would work well in the live arena and fans of melodic hard rock who are unfamiliar with the band will find plenty to draw them to the cause. Invigorating, vivacious and enthralling.
Megalomanium II is released on 20th September 2024.
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