Releasedate: 21-08-2026
Label: Scarlet Records
Making noise since 2013, the Italian Speed Stroke drop the fourth album Damage Control this August.
Is it speedy and sleazy enough? Well, the promised Scandirock vibe-specifically its gritty sleaze-metal counterpart-welcomes us instantly with “State Of Shock”. While listening to this track, you can’t help but keep Crashdïet on your mind. Ironically, this single song sounds far more vibrant and compelling than anything on the Swedish icons’ own disappointing Art of Chaos album released this spring.
Skipping deeper into the glazy textures of the 1980s, “Italian Coglione” takes the crown for the best part of under-speaking elegance, fueled by crying, melodic guitars that anchor the album’s title track, “Damage Control”, so far. The lyrical part reserved for “In Flames”. Moreover, “Blessed By Misery”, which features Giorgia Colleluori, a female guest vocal, thrives on a tense conversation dichotomy, balancing raw male grit against smooth feminine contrast. Even the deeper cuts like “Walls” surprise a bit. It’s not about Pink Floyd-esque conceptual grandiosity, but it remains a remarkably thoughtful, atmospheric piece that slows down the velocity without losing the album’s edge.
Minding “all killer, no filler” preview, a few striking highlights made a point, but in general, Damage Control turned into pass-through release. While individual elements show flashes of brilliance, the tracks simply fail to stick in your memory. It’s an energetic ride, but one that fades into the background the moment the music stops.
Line up:
- Jack – vocals
- D.B – guitar
- Michael – guitar
- Fungo – bass
- Maddy – drums
Tracklist
- Glorious Breakdown
- Heart Of The City
- Damage Control
- State Of Shock
- Italian Coglione
- In Flames
- Blessed By Misery
- All For The Weak End
- Walls
- Chain Reaction