Talisman
Talisman

In the late 80s (second half) and the very early 90s, the Scandinavian countries were very fertile grounds when it came to the hard rock scene. Bands emerged like mushrooms, some good and some not as good. Among those belonging to the first category is the one reviewed here.

The band was formed towards the end of the 80s by singer Jeff Scott Soto and bassist Marcel Jacob, who both played on Malmsteen's "Marching Out". Therefore, the band is not completely Swedish, as the ubiquitous Soto (who has been part of countless projects) is, as we know, American. The album featured here, which was released in 1990, is the first in their discography and for me still represents their best work.

It starts with "Break Your Chain", a heavy-oriented track with Malmsteen-esque reminiscences. Let me clarify that I am not a fan of Malmsteen, so I will just say that this track will probably appeal to fans of the guitarist. With "Standin' On Fire", there's a change in pace. It is a hard rock track, cadenced but energetic, with a grating guitar sound accompanying it and in which Soto's voice (as in the whole album, by the way) betrays a certain love for funky, soul, and R'n'B (something he has declared in various interviews). Noteworthy is a bass solo by Jacob preceding the guitar solo. "I'll Be Waiting" is one of the most famous tracks in their discography, both melodic and dynamic, with one of those classic refrains that instinctively makes you want to sing along, imprints itself in your head, and then becomes almost impossible to forget.

With "Dangerous", the style of the second track returns. "Just Between Us" is a little gem, an intense and touching ballad, with Soto in top form. In "System Of Power", it goes back to a cadenced and energetic hard rock, while "Queen" is a powerful and aggressive mid-tempo where the band once again shows their heavier side. Following are "Lighting Strikes" and "Day By Day", the latter with a more AOR orientation and a nice refrain. "Women, Whiskey And Song" is a straightforward rock'n'roll track. The album closes with "Great Sandwich", a vaguely Malmsteen-oriented instrumental track of about 2.40 minutes, which can be considered just a filler.

In conclusion, a good treatise of hard rock in the style of the 80s, recommended to enthusiasts of the genre and of Soto in general.