Hespera – In Absence

[schema type=”review” name=”Hespera – In Absence” description=”Label: Seeing Red Records” author=”Sabine van Gameren” pubdate=”2018-08-31″ ]
Björn Speed Strid and Dirk Verbeuren… leads automatically to Soilwork, but this time they unite on a release that is under the name of Hespera. “In Absence” is out now.

The promo advertising for this album is all confusing. First we get teased saying a reunion of Björn and Dirk. Then we get to hear we can not write it off as a Soilwork clone. The album is written by guitarists Cole Martinez and Matt Silac after all. Following on that we are pushed to Soilwork’s “Natural Born Chaos” album as a reference. What do they want? To be or not to be Soilwork related?

So let’s set it clear. Yes, it does sound a lot like Soilwork. Especially the first song on the EP. Getting to “Miles Away” you feel a slight step away. (note: slight!).
“Remnants of Existence” is further away from there. Here you start to hear more of how the guys want to put their own twist to it. Turns out to be quite a winner actually, the vehemence in it comes with a slight different mix which gives it a good body. After that the band strays never far from where they are, a recognizable sound that is catchy.

So what if it sounds like Soilwork? Soilwork fans have a golden season ahead. This release, some new material of Soilwork… And “Natural Born Chaos” has grown iconic through the years. So when brought with quality it is certainly not a problem to see more of that. And the quality is on board, not only by the direct Soilwork imput, but also by the guitarists who give a bunch of interesting riffs and well composed songs. Let’s get beyond the promotional confusion and simply enjoy this release.

Line up:
Björn “Speed” Strid – vocals
Cole Martinez – guitar/synth
Matt Silac – guitar/synth
Andrew Lenthe – bass
*All Drums performed and recorded by Dirk Verbeuren

01. Solace in Solitude 02. Miles Away 03. Remnants of Existence 04. Absolved 05. Endless 06. In Absence

Links:
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