Wake The Nations – Heartageddon

Wake The Nations
Heartageddon
Label: Inverse Records
Out: September 13^th, 2024
Playing time: 50:53

Finland’s Rock and Metal scene is almost inexhaustible. And also extremely varied. Proof of this is the Hard Rock / AOR band Wake the Nations. The story goes back to 2009, when guitarist Risto Tuominen became interested in a band that had been founded by his current bassist colleague Janne ‘Gekko’ Granfors. However, this band was still playing grunge. With the addition of Risto, however, the sound shifted towards Hard Rock. “Villa Sucka” was formed. Wake The Nation was probably founded in 2012, initially as a project. With many singers from all over the world, “Sign of Heart” was released in 2015. But it soon became clear that they should continue as a band. This was successful, as “Heartageddon” is already the third studio album.

“Alive” starts with a short intro. It’s really only short, but also irrelevant. However, guitar riffs and Krister Stenbom’s Rock voice quickly assert themselves. It’s nice that Melodic Hard Rock has replaced Grunge. “Don’t Call Me Tonight” then picks up a little more speed. But it remains melodic. Although “Never Say” starts with a few short sound gimmicks, the Finns rock out lively here too. “Bulletproof” is a mid-tempo Rock anthem. In the past, this would have been called Stadium Rock. But Wake the Nations will hardly be able to fill large stadiums. That’s a pity, because that’s exactly what the sound is designed for.  “Wheel Of Fortune” tends towards a power ballad. But as early as “Seven” we switch back to Melodic Hard Rock. And it continues with this good mood Rock. Whether with the anthem “Crossroads Of Love”, the mid-tempo song “I Can Take It All” or the straightforward rocker “The Shadows” – the Finns manage to arrange a variety of melodies and arrangements. The guitars fry on “Cowboyz & Call Girlz” and “Hey”. Finally, “Street Of Fire” is a contemplative power ballad.

Thirteen timelessly beautiful Rock tracks await the listener on “Heartageddon”. And everything is there. Melodic Hard Rock, great stadium anthems and some contemplative ballads. And every single song is suitable for airplay. Just the thing for fans of Hard Rock from the eighties.

Wake the Nations – Seven: https://youtu.be/OVIvAWIeFyQ?si=TwW_LN-IRalCbq9c

Lineup:

Krister Stenbom – Vocals
Risto Tuominen – Guitar
Janne “Gekko” Granfors – Bass
Tuomas Pelli – Drums

Track list:

• Alive
• Don’t Call Me Tonight
• Never Say
• Bulletproof
• Wheel Of Fortune
• Lifesaver
• Seven
• Crossroads Of Love
• I Can Take It All
• The Shadows
• Cowboyz & Call Girlz
• Hey
• Street Of Fire