Smackbound – 20/20
Album review by ; John W
2020 has totally sucked in many ways but even in the age of a global pandemic now and again there have been some highlights. One of the few good things for me about lockdown was that it gave me so much more time to explore and discover new bands and there have been some absolutely cracking tracks released this year.
​
Up next on the turntable is Finland’s “Smackbound” with their brand of female fronted metal. It’s weird that in this day and age the go to point is to still lump bands together based purely on the singer’s gender. Really what does a band such as In This Moment have in common with the likes of Halestorm or Within Temptation? It’s kind of like saying that Motorhead are like a heavier Bon Jovi.
​
However, I’m also increasingly convinced that hidden somewhere in a Scandinavian forest there is a factory that pumps out groups of blokes playing technically faultless heavy metal fronted by incredibly tall, slim blonde women. Take a look at the band photo on Spotify and you’ll know instantly what to expect.
​
So, I guess it’s a good thing that Smackbound hail from Finland rather than Scandinavia. Unlike many of their counterparts there’s no suspicion that front woman Netta Laurenne has been drafted in by a boyfriend to hide their own inability to sing. Without a shadow of a doubt Netta is firmly in control of Smackbound. Having initially formed the band in 2015 she’s since recruited former members of Wintersun, Stratovarius and Tracedawn to form the current line up.
​
From start to finish this is a cracking debut. The album grabs you by the throat from the off with “Wall Of Silence” and never lets go. Fast paced and unashamedly metal, guitars are pushed to the front with suitable twiddly bits that will have grown men who are definitely old enough to know better playing air guitar along to.
​
Netta’s got an incredibly powerful voice and a great vocal range. If I’m being brutal parts of the album stray into familiar “euro-metal” territory but Smackbound do it so well that you can’t help but forgive any clichés that they fall into.
“Hey Motherfuckers” is ridiculously catchy and shows an industrial edge creeping into the music. It’s the type of track that is guaranteed to creep into your ear and take up residence there for ages. Looking for a new track to play in the gym? Well look no further…
“Troublemaker” continues in the same vein. Seriously some of the guitar parts are so metal they could have been on an old Dio record.
“Close To Sober” and “The Game” allow the band to demonstrate a softer side and at times it inches dangerously towards “Nightwish” territory. All soaring melodies and choral keyboards overlaying the guitars while Netta demonstrates a softer side, but we also know there’s a healthy market for that type of music...
​
I’m so glad I’ve had a chance to check this band out. “20/20” is a really strong album, well worth adding to your current playlists. Netta and the boys have crafted an excellent debut building on from their earlier “Those Who Burn” single. “20/20” has definitely made 2020 a better year.
​
4 / 5
​
Smackbound are;
Netta Laurenne – Vocals
Rolf Pilve – Drums
Teemu Mantysaari – Guitars
Vili Itapelato – Keyboards
Tuomas Yli-Jaskari - Bass
“20/20”
Wall of Silence
Drive It Like You Stole It
Close To Sober
Run
The Game
Those Who Burn
Hey Motherfuckers
Troublemaker
The album is available now from Frontiers Music srl
Socials;
Instagram; @smackbound_official
Facebook; fb.me/smackbound
#smackbound
#2020
#rockmediauk
#reviewbyjohnw
#albumreview