Classic Swedish Power Metal Revisited
Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 11/26/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit that when I think of Swedish bands, it's usually a classic melodic rock band (Europe, Treat) or a modern death metal band (In Flames, Dark Tranquillity) that comes to mind, not a NWOBHM-influenced power metal band. But that's exactly the kind of music Swedish metallers Overdrive delivered.
Overdrive embraced the power metal lyrics and imagery (this album's cover is proof of that), but their sound was clearly influenced by the early 80's New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene. Their sound draws heavily on bands like Saxon, Diamond Head, White Spirit, and early Iron Maiden. It rocks hard, but there is still a melodic aspect to the songs on Swords and Axes - the band's 1984 sophomore album. It's not the same kind of Warlord/Helstar/Crimson Glory style power metal you'd find in the US at the time, nor is it the Helloween-style German power metal. This is the kind of power metal only a band fed a steady diet of NWOBHM can offer. You could slip an Overdrive song in the middle of a Neat Records compilation and no one would know the difference!
The 2003 Metal for Muthas reissue of Swords and Axes features digitally remastered sound as well as 6 bonus tracks. The first 4 tracks are from the band's decidedly un-metal 1993 reunion, but the last two (demo tracks from 1985) are straight-up (and sped-up) power metal all the way.
Swords and Axes is another lost classic that has been brought to light. Old school metal fans should make it a point to check this one out."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1