Hardcore Superstar
Beg for It

In the 80s, in America, two of the main currents of the metal genre were born, one in the Bay Area of San Francisco, the other on the Sunset Strip of Los Angeles. I am obviously talking about Thrash and Glam metal. If the first represented the most extreme music that could be heard at the time, the latter managed to explode commercially, taking hard'n'heavy to the top of the charts around the world and bringing the genre into mainstream rock. The two genres, conceptually at odds, became in that decade "fierce enemies" and never managed to influence each other.

About 25 years later, Hardcore Superstar, hailing from cold Sweden, are attempting to mix the two genres. Founded in 1998 and debuting in 2000, the group transitioned from initial hard rock with strong pop elements to a significantly heavier sound starting with their self-titled album in 2005. From that moment, they began to declare the two aforementioned genres as their main influences and aimed to fuse them into their style. The reviewed "Beg for it" represents, in my opinion, the definitive point of such amalgamation. Crucial to this operation was the introduction of new guitarist Vic Zino, with clear metal influences, who joined the band as a replacement for the departing Silver. The final result can be described as a much sturdier and less polished glam metal than what was proposed by the original scene bands. At the same time, however, the group certainly doesn’t forget to include a good dose of melody and straightforward, catchy choruses in their songs.

The album opens with a clear homage to the Italian composer Ennio Morricone, an intro full of emphasis and grandiosity. From the following title-track, through various "Shades of Grey," "Nervous Breakdown," "Remove My Brain," to the concluding "Innocent Boy," graced by a climactic final rush, it feels like a roller coaster ride, with tracks that flow quickly and engagingly, and just like a ride on a famous carousel, fun is guaranteed.

An honorable mention goes to the track "Hope for a Normal Life," an excellent ballad that significantly stands out from what is offered in the rest of the album, and it succeeds thanks to a beautiful main melody and an excellent guitar solo placed in the middle of the song. Another special mention goes to the track "Don't Care 'Bout Your Bad Behaviour," featuring an explosive rhythm section and a well-crafted, engaging chorus.

In conclusion, while not bringing anything particularly innovative, the band has been able to craft a successful and well-thought-out album. The record is certainly not an intellectual music work, but at the same time, it proves to be perfectly suitable for anyone who wants to spend an hour with some good, straightforward metal.