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ALIEN
Eternity

AOR Heaven (2014)
Rating: 8.5/10

Swedish rockers Alien are just one of those majestic bands who I’ve always had a soft spot for. These guys formed in Gothenburg back in 1986, but the melodic rock they have churned out over the years has never really gone away despite the grunge invasion of the early to mid 90s.

With the likes of Toto, Journey et al remaining popular all over the globe it’s always just been a matter of time for acts of this ilk to not just reform, but to make us realise that such harmonious highs aren’t just for nostalgic purposes but also a timely reminder that we’ve always craved this radio-friendly rock ’n’ roll.

As soon as ‘In Love We Trust’ kicks in I’m transported back to the 80s, but immediately recognise the timeless quality in this type of music and as to how rich the vocals of Jim Jidhed remain. Probably once derided for being mere one-dimensional “hair metal” by the detractors who “grew up” and became too “cool” for this sort of music, Alien have spanned the decades with their cosy brand of heart-warming rock.

Eternity doesn’t simply see the band in full voice but it also sees the original line-up together again. Jidhed is backed by guitarist Tony Borg, bassist Ken Sandin, drummer Toby Tarrach and keyboardist Jimmy Wandroph, and the chemistry is there for all to see and hear.

‘In Love We Trust’ tumbles into play on a simple drum march, throbbing guitar and tender synth. Jidhed croons, “You and I in the darkness hand in hand, always is a touch to understand”, and we’re back where we belong, cradled in the arms of Alien’s majestic melodies and that sense of belief that lifted us time and time again. “You’re the only one who ever mattered, made me everything I am”, continues the singer, and we’re right there with him as a solo pierces the lush arrangements and ‘In Love We Trust’ immediately befriends us and enables us to walk hand in hand with those soaring harmonies. It’s not as if we’ve never heard this sort of aching tune before, but it’s one so welcoming that we just fall for it every time. And now that we’ve found ourselves among the clouds it’s only right we visit the other soundscapes.

A cool piano introduces us to the jaunt of ‘Unbroken’, which is upbeat and burning with fiery soul, whereas ‘Love Will Lead Me Home’ has the sort of introductory tone reminiscent of Cutting Crew’s 1986 classic ‘(I Just) Died In Your Arms Tonight’ – it’s sweet and powerful and again features an anthemic chorus speaking of stars colliding and skies crashing down. Epic!

Eternity offers golden nugget after golden nugget; the sort of gems which became part of so many teenager’s diets in the 80s. ‘I Believe’ is a stark ballad; merely Jidhed and a mournful piano, but together they build to a scorching crescendo. Alien are the kings of belief, purveyors of hope and messengers of glory.

These themes saturate this wonderful album, whether in the form of the sweltering ‘Summer Of Love’, the soulful sway of ‘I’m A Fighter’ or the sugary tinkle of ‘Liar Liar’, with its big chief chants of “Liar liar, hearts on fire”. We know what we’re getting with this sort of reflective, heart-wrenching rock and all we can do is sit back and lap it up, either accompanied by a roaring night-time fire or the cool breeze of an approaching summer. It’s all synth-laced illustriousness pierced by soaring solos and jaunty rhythms which caress the hearts, the ears and the mind, and for that we are eternally thankful.

Neil Arnold

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