A splendid hard rock release.

Crucified Barbara is a Swedish four piece all female hard rock band. They were founded in 1998 with roots in the punk genre but they eventually altered their style which led to a record deal. 2004 saw their debut release ‘In Distortion We Trust’ with ‘Till Death Us Do Party’ arriving in 2009. They toured extensively supporting this even recording a documentary of their 36 date tour. Now the band has returned with album number 3: ‘The Midnight Chase’.

‘Chase’ tears out the blocks with ‘The Crucifier’ which has a few moments of drum and distortion before taking off with a forceful riff and singer Mia Karlsson’s raspy vocals. This riff powers throughout the song even through her roared chorus. This is one of the better songs on the album but not the best. Some of the other stand outs include the aggressively titled ‘Shut Your Mouth’. This has a catchy driven progression and a highly infectious chorus to which you just want to raise your fist and shout along. ‘Rules And Bones Are Made To Be Broken’ starts out with a fat bass and drum line, as the guitar winds up behind before the song erupts with a catchy and bombastic chorus. ‘Rock Me Like The Devil’ has quite a sneer about it with a slower paced crunchy progression that begs to have your head rocking to it powering through to the furious chorus. Whilst any of these could potentially be anyone’s choice pick, for this reviewer it’s ‘Into The Fire’. A huge trashy riff opens before more frenzied guitar work from both six strings that really drives this belligerent number.

This is simply no nonsense, in your face, balls to the wall dirty rock and it’s done well. The album is trashy, raucous and dripping with attitude which all makes for a splendid, riff fuelled package. Anyone with a taste for the likes of Guns N Roses and Motorhead should take a close look as should anyone who likes a little punk tinge to their rock. These girls are all blessed with excellent talent musically and put it all too good use and effect. Karlsson is a fine vocalist with a very distinctive gruff and husky voice which easily belongs to a time of smoke filled, sweat dripping clubs. This isn’t the only string to her bow, however; she also covers the lead guitar slot filling the air with some delicious solos whilst her six string partner Klara Ronnqvist Fors provides the glorious trashy progressions. The technical side is pretty good with most parts of the music standing out but still retaining a little rawness.

These girls have noisily gone about making a name for themselves but they are still fairly unknown in the UK; this release should change that. If you haven’t heard of Crucified Barbara then grab yourself a copy of ‘The Midnight Chase’ but be prepared to have your ears assaulted... in a good way. In short this is a splendid hard rock release which should hold appeal for many.

Dave Scott