Review ECLIPSE ‘Megalomanium’

Stockholm in 1999; time and place for a band that started a journey through the musical landscapes of melodic rock. Their name: Eclipse. From these early days it is still Magnus Henriksson (g) and Erik Mårtensson (v) being still the driving forces today. Today, that means 24 years later. Eight longplayers have been added to the books while the newest offer, ‘Megalomanium’ is in the starting blocks.

Eleven new songs made it on ‘Megalomanium’, all reflecting the typical Eclipse trademarks. Melodic vocals and heavy pounding beat and excellent guitar work is what the band stands for and all of it is reflected in the thrilling ‘Children of the Night’.

As many other Swedish bands also the bandmates of Eclipse are excellent in execution. These guys know how to handle their instruments, how to build stellar hooks and how to craft an addictive melody. The result of these ingredients is anthemic songs like ‘I Don’t Get It Anymore’, ‘Forgive’ and not to forget the throbbing ‘Got It!’.

The mid-tempo songs are great too. It is tough to resist melodies like the one that gives ‘So ‘Long Farewell Goodbye’ its irresistible expression. And although some of the songs start calm and partly acoustic, none of the tracks on the album is real ballad. There is a lot of emotion embedded in the tunes, but none drowns on ballad-like cliches. Instead, the rockers like the awesome ‘I Don’t Get It’ manifest, that great rock songs can do the job.

Eclipse add with ‘Megalomanium’ an entertaining and upbeat longplayer to their list of releases. This album provides a good time and spreads an addictive positive vibe. One just has a great time by listening to these eleven songs.