Twelve years ago these Swedish veterans got back together again and they just get better and better. The album title "Tunguska" one can think that it’s something said in the ancient nordic language, but it’s part of the name of a river in siberia where a meteorite crashed in 1908. The explosion is considered to be the biggest collision between the earth and another celestial body in the last hundred thousand years. If TREAT is going to leave the same impression in history with their new musical works, that I’ll leave unsaid. But already a couple of years ago they were on the right track, at least with using a lot of pyrotechnics at the shows, that delighted us who loves it. According to the songwriter, producer and guitarist Anders Wikström, the name of the record symbolises their unique musicianship they have developed together over the years and it also shows how they want their sound and song dynamics to be now.

The previous album "Ghost Of Graceland" had a strong introduction with the amazing song of the same name. Even on the new record, the opening number "Progenitors" is brilliant and captures the listener directly. It marches on and turns out to be varied and deep, as well as delivering a very skilled guitarplaying which of course continues all the way. Both compositions are perfect to start concerts with because of their long intros. Unlike the release 2016, where after the outstanding first track the rest were maybe not so strong songs to follow up, this new work keeps a more even quality. I don’t say that the last one was bad, because it certainly was not, but now they again step up another level. In a positive sense, this sounds like a direct continuation that they now have developed and strengthened.

"Tunguska" is scandinavian rock with power from start to finish. Simplicity is mixed with the nordic melancholy and it is relaxing for the soul. One feels comforted and as if nothing is impossible. Here you find a positive driving force and a true we-stand-together-feeling. In other words, it is music that makes everyone feel good. It is a well-made production with a big keyboardsound and fine melodies. The seriousness is there, but it does not take over. On one hand this album is wonderfully uncomplicated, and on the other hand totally ingenious. The vibes of the eighties are there, but are polished to a more modern sound. I would like to call it feel-good-rock.

TREAT has a nice structure of melodies and singing. Different tones of vocals in the chorus gives an extra rush. Rhythmic songs intensified by the bass sound that provide a wonderful energizing effect. The drumming is vibrant and vivid, while the guitarplaying is both playful and reliably great. Nice arrangements with keyboard and the overall impression is easy to like. Skilled musicians and songwriters with refrains that are usually very catchy. Perhaps there is some kind of simplicity that makes it so good. It must not always be so complicated, while it is an art to get something look like it would be made easily. Join the different turns and you will also find that there is more under the surface. This with both heavy and soft seems to be a good mix, like in the powerful “Rose Of Jericho”.

Robert Ernlund still has his youthful voice. The characteristic bright and clear voice of the singer gives a more kind impression and maybe some people think that it sounds too nice or close to pop. On the later albums it is weighed up by a slightly heavier sound and in this new production also a light progressive touch in some places, which makes everything not entirely predictable. Like Clark Kent and Superman, they switch between nice guys and also very cool.

They are a bunch of happy guys and especially the frontman gives positive energy. It is a pleasure to see them live, so if you have the chance then take the opportunity to do that. And no, they don't have to rely on their more than thirty year back catalogue. TREAT are really a better band nowadays, like Wikström says “both as songwriters and live performers, matured just like a great red wine!” (Anna)

Bewertung:

 8 / 10

Anzahl der Songs: 12
Spielzeit: 52:45 min
Label: Frontiers Music
Veröffentlichungstermin: 14.09.2018