Sweden’s heavy metal export Sister Sin is back with a new album entitled Now and Forever which is chocked full of the band’s signature hard rock sound with just the right mix of piss & vinegar and old school 1980s metal. In an industry that seems to invent a new genre of metal quicker than it can turn out a proven long term talent, Sister Sin is a refreshing modern twist to the ’80s metal bands of legend. Come on…you remember: the hooks were infectious, and the sing-along choruses were as big as the attitudes and teased hair! If you’re too young to remember, then lucky for you that a band like Sister Sin is here to school you with an even better version of what you missed!
Now and Forever is the band’s latest release on Victory Records and the follow-up to 2010’s True Sound of the Underground. It’s an eleven track arsenal of metal that hits you right between the eyes and never lets up. Now, I have to admit that the instrumental opener “MMXII” may be seen as a throw-away track. It may be something incorporated into their live show, but a short instrumental opener on a metal album can sometimes be confusing. It’s an eerie kind of movie soundtrack sounding piece that seems post-apocalyptic in its build up.
The real fun begins with the second track and the first video from the album “End of the Line.” Jimmy Hiltula’s opening riff took me back to classic Ratt from the 80s. The rhythm section of Strandh on bass and Dave Sundberg on drums lay down the foundation that helps rock this band’s core. “Fight Song” is up next and a standout on the album. Liv’s pissed off attitude is broadcast loud and clear throughout the entire song. There’s a badass behind that pretty exterior and it’s just looking for a reason to be unleashed. I’m pretty sure that a song that starts off with a loud “F-you” is not going to be a heartfelt ballad!
“The Chosen Few” is catchy as hell; the guitar hooks you in immediately and the back beat from Strandh and Sundberg is infectious. The chorus is textbook metal as it is big, loud and commands audience participation. This will be a great song to add to their live show. “Running Low” is along the same design as the machine gun like drum intro immediately leads in one of Jimmy’s big riffs. Oh and just in case I have failed to mention it before now, Liv’s vocals are stronger than ever before on this album.
I was really caught off guard by the last track entitled “Morning After.” It’s a heartfelt ballad by Liz and the boys and is very uncharacteristic of the band. I may be wrong and if I am, then someone please correct me, but this may be the first ballad that the band has attempted. It starts off with a lone piano playing and then Liv’s vocals, with a string section coming in soon after. It takes a power ballad turn midway through as the rest of the band joins her before the song fades out. It’s a very nice surprise as it expands the band’s repertoire and shows a much deeper side their writing.
Overall, the album is what you would expect from Sister Sin – solid tunes both lyrically and melodically. They pull no punches and they don’t try to reinvent the wheel or solve the national debt crisis on this release. It’s just straight ahead, classic metal with attitude and the balls to back it up. Yes, even with a front woman they manage to do that!
Check it out for yourself by going over to the “Listening Party” at AOL Music where Now and Forever is streaming all week! Click HERE!
Now and Forever is also available in stores such as Best Buy, Hastings Entertainment, and your favorite independent stores!
You can also get it digitally at:
iTunes: http://bit.ly/TaYmsG
Amazon MP3: http://amzn.to/RR4K4A
Johnny Price, Journalist – RockRevolt™Magazine
