Lion's Share - Emotional Coma

After a six year hiatus, the Swedish band Lion's Share returns with their fifth full-length CD. They also have a new vocalist, Patrick Johansson, who has been in bands including Wuthering Heights and Astral Doors. He's actually been in the band for a few years, but this is his first CD with Lion's Share.

Emotional Coma has been out for a while in Europe, and now gets a North American release. It is straight ahead melodic metal with an old school vibe. The guitars are front and center with crunchy riffs and several nice solos. Recently departed Megadeth guitarist Glen Drover and former Kiss axeman Bruce Kulick make guest appearances. Edgy and melodic, there are some very catchy songs that still have plenty of aggression.

Johansson has a powerful voice with a lot of range, and he has been compared to Ronnie James Dio. He has the versatility to sing in a lower register with an edge and a lot of emotion, and then belt out his higher pitched vocals. Emotional Coma is a top-notch classic/traditional metal album, from the opening notes of "Cult Of Denial" to the closing track, a cover of Angel Witch's "Sorcerers."

(released January 29, 2008 on Locomotive Records)