DIRTY PASSION - In Wonderland (2012)

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DIRTY PASSION is one of Sweden's fastest growing rock bands and since its inception in Malmo around 2007 they have made a well established name around the world.
After the good debut 'Different Tomorrow' they've toured intensely both in the U.S. and Europe as headliner and support act for bands like Saxon, Y & T, Accept, L.A. Guns or Mike Tramp (White Lion) to name a few.
With new vocalist Kriss Lohikoski Svensson and Nasty Laine (ex- Gypsy Pistoleros) handling the bass, Dirty Passion are hoping to make it to the first league of Swedish Hard Rock with the new album "In Wonderland".

After 8 months of writing and playing the new material live (most notably on the Dirty Passion/L.A. Guns European tour), the recording finally took place in July of 2012 and saw the band utilize four different studios including a return for the final mixing at the world-renowned Roasting House Studios.
First track "Into The Wild" is a bit of a shocker, as it's a sleaze angry rocker with a 'riot' attitude. I don't understand this track as opener, in fact, as a song belonging to this album. It has nothing to do with Dirty Passion's style.
But things get back to reality since next track.
"Dead End" kicks off with a cool guitar work and new singer Kriss Svensson showing his real vocal color. The chorus is fun and filled with nice background vocals.
The catchy "Lovers Lane" follows and the band display their '80s influences in this melodic hard rock tune full of swagger.

But Dirty Passion is trying a new sound on this new album, more straightforward and energetic.
I strongly believe that a song like the hard rockin' anthem "Daughter of The Reaper" will make things happen for Dirty Passion. I found myself humming and singing it after the first time I heard it and with each new spin keeps getting better and better.
And there are more songs just like this, take for example "Sinner", "Shadowland" and the catchy "Light Of The Candle" with its 'whoa-oh' all over. All genuine impactful rockers.
Of course we have more melodic moments in the midtempo "When Darkness Falls" with its big chorus ala '18 And Life' while the ballad "Make It Last" takes us straight to L.A. circa 1989.
"Addicted" is another semi-balladic track but with a different vibe, a bit of Hanoi Rocks, maybe with some Kix thrown in.

It's always nice when a band takes that extra step forward that you believed they could. I liked Dirty Passion's debut but it was rather clear the band had that little extra in them. And this is evident with "In Wonderland".
The songwriting is much more solid, urgent, played with an energy and a catchiness taking up a place in your memory right from the first listen. There's a living, vibrant spark that shines through the whole album which might just be the result of the new line-up and the accurate production.
"In Wonderland" is a giant step in Dirty Passion's aim to become one of the biggest numbers in the overcrowded Swedish Hard Rock scene.
Recommended.


01 - Into The Wild
02 - Dead End
03 - Lovers Lane
04 - When Darkness Falls
05 - Sinner
06 - Make It Last
07 - Addicted
08 - Daughter Of The Reaper
09 - Light Of The Candle
10 - Stay With Me
11 - Shadowland

Kriss Lohikoski Svensson - Vocals
Christopher Olsson - Guitar
Nasty Laine - Bass
Markus Winberg - Drums & Percussion


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DIRTY PASSION - Different Tomorrow (2010)

includes bonus track


DIRTY PASSION is a Swedish Malmö based rock band formed in 2006 by members Emil Ekbladh (vocals), Christopher Olsson (guitar), Bjorn Wilander (bass), and Markus Winberg (drums).
The group released a couple of promo singles and toured with - and played support act to - bands like Saxon, YT and Towers of London and in early 2010 they supported Faster Pussycat and Enuff Z'Nuff for a month long European tour, playing 22 concerts in seven different countries.
In October 2010 the band signed a record deal with an independent label to release their debut album "Different Tomorrow".

Emil Ekbladh: "Most of the songs from 'Different Tomorrow' were written just before we got signed and recorded right afterwards.
We spent three weeks recording the disc in Malmö’s Berno Studio; a studio that has produced a great number of well-known rock and metal acts.
The album was mixed and processed using a lot of analogue equipment, which gives the recordings a great warmth and presence. Each instrument feels more alive.
No one does this anymore, now that almost everything is digital.
We’re really proud of the result and I’m sure fans of classic hard rock will love the album"

Dirty Passion describe their music as classic melodic hard rock, heavily influenced by the old school bands from the 1980's.
I must agree the sound of Dirty Passion is in this range, musically they have pointers towards bands as Y & T, Europe, April Wine and the like.
But also a contemporary scandi influence is evident as they remind me bands like Amaze Me or Dreamhunter.

Emil Ekbladh is a good vocalist with a very nice tone, and his delivery suits the music very well. He really sounds like Joey Tempest.
Guitarist Christopher Olsson is a splendid player; check out guitar solo on "A Trip To Paradise".
There are some instant songs on the album, like "1.000.000 Voices" and "Liar" that stick from point one. After a few spins I find myself singing along, and this obviously means they have done something right.
This is the kind of music we grew up with and it still holds up.
The 80's was about having a good time. Dirty Passion brings back the fun and also reintroduces great hard rock melodic rock songs. Just listen to the 80's slam dunk rocker "Rockin' In The Night" with that cow bells.


"Different Tomorrow" doesn't disappoint.
Bear in mind that this is an indie debut and of course the band sounds a bit green at times. The production could be better also.
However, Dirty Passion has so many great things going for them.
First and foremost the band has penned some really strong songs for this debut.
It has become a solid album full of hard rockin' riffing and melodic solos, cool hooks and positive attitude.
The '80s are back and Dirty Passion is a much welcomed band to the scene.


01 - This Is The Way
02 - 1,000,000 Voices
03 - Rockin' In The Night
04 - Different Tomorrow
05 - A Trip To Paradise
06 - Self-Destructive
07 - Liar
08 - We're All Gonna Fall
09 - Selling Your Soul
10 - Without You
11 - D.O.A. (bonus track)


Emil Ekbladh - Vocals
Christopher Olsson - Guitar
Björn Wilander - Bass
Markus Winberg - Drums & Percussion






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