Hardcore Superstar
Beg For It

Here it is, "Beg For It," the sixth album from the Swedish godfathers of Hair Metal, Hardcore Superstar.

This latest installment doesn't deviate much from the previous two works ("Hardcore Superstar" and "Dreamin' In A Casket"), except for the change in the group's guitarist, where instead of the great Silver, who departed from the band, the good Vic Zino, formerly of Crazy Lixxs, steps in.

The sound of the album is on par with the previously mentioned two; powerful with catchy choruses that stick right in your head, making you want to headbang and sing every single line at the top of your lungs to the rhythm of "Air Guitar"! The work opens with the intro "This Worm'S For Ennio",  a sort of anthem to our Ennio Morricone, I suppose, (I hope I'm not mistaken!), with an almost western atmosphere, calm, but it's all an illusion...

The title track "Beg For It" explodes, where it's immediately clear what kind of metal vortex you've entered; great song, relentless rhythm (but it will be that way for almost the whole CD), powerful sound; followed by my favorite, "Into Debauchery", a battleship shot in your face with no half measures, definitely a head-banger; the pace slows slightly with "Shades Of Grey", but I mean slightly, because it's also an explosive song, with a chorus that I love...

We move on with "Nervous Breakdown", another barrage with Joke's voice truly captivating; then comes the album's only acoustic track, (perhaps the one that was missing in "Dreamin In A Casket" to make it a perfect album in my humble opinion!), "Hope For A Normal Life" where one dreams of a normal life, let's say... . The album progresses with its momentum to the end, although from this last track onwards, it loses a bit, but that doesn't mean there aren't parts I consider valid like "Illegal Fun", which I personally adore, or "Innocent Boy" with its nods to early Guns N' Roses.

Anyway, here's the complete tracklist:

1. "This Worm's For Ennio"
2. "Beg For It"
3. "Into Debauchery"
4. "Shades Of Grey"
5. "Nervous Breakdown"
6. "Hope For A Normal Life"
7. "Don't Care 'Bout You're Bad Behavior"
8. "Remove My Brain"
9. "Spit It Up"
10. "Illegal Fun"
11. "Take 'Em All Out"
12. "Innocent Boy"

In conclusion, I reiterate the yet another great performance by the Gothenburg quartet, with the arrival of newcomer Vic trying his best to make up for the departure of the historic Silver, and I really think he succeeds! Jocke Berg's voice is incredibly beautiful, a great singer; Adde on the drums is a steamroller, as is Martin on bass!!! Guys, if you're looking for a solid rock album, you'll make a great deal with "Beg for It," and these days finding someone who makes music of a certain level is, I believe, very difficult, almost impossible...

So honor to the HCSS!!!