Three years have passed since GRAVEYARD drifted into more dreamy, psychedelic territory with 6. Now the Swedes are back with renewed determination, proving that their love for good old-fashioned rock is very much alive and kicking. The guitars have regained their bite, the blues takes centre stage, and the band sounds like they're genuinely fired up to show everyone what they're still capable of. And damn, does it feel good!
Right from the opening notes of “Back From The Grave”, the album kicks off with a healthy dose of classic hard rock, leaving no doubt about the direction GRAVEYARD are heading in. “Tongue Tied” opts for a more untamed garage-rock approach, while “A Better Cut (Note To Self)” introduces a darker, heavier atmosphere. “Year Of The Horse” turns out to be a real shot of adrenaline: fast-paced, infectious and tailor-made to kick up a serious storm on stage.
With “A Means To An End”, GRAVEYARD demonstrate that they can pack plenty of ideas into a compact runtime. “Time To Tell” then eases off the accelerator, bringing the band's bluesy side into focus. It's not just about the riffs here, but about the feeling between the notes. That very combination of musical craftsmanship and emotional immediacy was already one of the things that made Hisingen Blues such a gem. “Don't Shoot!” gets things moving again, before “Room Tempered” offers a welcome change of pace with its laid-back attitude. Closing track “Dead Note” stretches out over almost seven minutes, revealing the band's full musical range. GRAVEYARD take their time, gradually build the tension and give the guitar all the room it deserves. A beautifully atmospheric finale that rounds off the album in style.
The production fits the whole package perfectly. GRAVEYARD handled the production themselves, with Pelle Gunnerfeldt taking care of the mix and Robin Schmidt mastering the record. The result sounds wonderfully organic, preserving all the rough edges that make this band so damn likeable. This is not about polished perfection, but about four musicians who have found their own voice and know exactly how to use it.
Visually, Fever is another winner. The artwork by Dutch artist Maarten Donders gives the album a distinctive identity and makes the cover a real eye-catcher. As a vinyl lover, it's easy to imagine this one looking absolutely fantastic in the record collection.
With Fever, GRAVEYARD return to their greatest strengths without simply retreating into their own past. The Swedes combine the timeless virtues of classic rock with their unmistakable signature sound, proving that this music is anything but a thing of the past. An album full of character, spirited performances and genuine passion – and, for me, one hell of a reason to start looking forward to the next GRAVEYARD already
-Helge Neumann
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