Album Review — Crashdiet

Crashdiet — Automaton

Hard rock fans reminisce about the good old days on the Sunset Strip when rock was king. But the good old days are still alive and well even if not in Hollywood. Sweden is the new home of hard rock royalty. Eclipse are the kings of New Hollywood, releasing incredible album after incredible album over the last decade. H.E.A.T., Treat and old school bands Europe and Shotgun Messiah all hail from Sweden. Crashdiet isn’t a new kid on the block with their sixth album, “Automaton”, out this week, but their new record should garner some attention.

The band has overcome many obstacles through the years including the loss of their frontman after the release of their first record. But the band has rebounded and have followed up their strong 2019 release, “Rust”, with fantastic new record.

“Automaton” begins with a short intro that features the voice of original singer Dave Lepard at the very end.

“Together Whatever” kicks in and we are taken back to the sounds of the Sunset Strip. Think early Skid Row. Vocalist Gabriel Keyes has an impressive Bach-like delivery and range. A great hard rock track to get things going.

“Shine” has a little more modern sounding riff with plenty of energy. The band sounds right at home both with the classic and more modern sounding tracks.

Another strong modern rocker, “No Man’s Land”, is up next. Some really strong guitar work on this one.

“Darker Minds” takes the energy down a notch for this catchy mid-tempo track. This one would have been a big hit back in the day and is one of my favorite tracks of the year so far.

“Powerline” features Steel Panther vocalist Michael Starr who takes lead on the second verse on this melodic hard rocker.

“We Die Hard” and “Unbroken” are both strong tracks near the album close.

The final track, “I Can’t Move On (Without You)”, is an acoustic ballad that reminds me of the late 80s/early 90s on MTV.

I really like this record. Crashdiet has found a sound that is both modern and classic hard rock. The band brings a lot of energy, some great vocals and guitars and well written songs that produce one of the best albums that I’ve heard this year.

If you haven’t heard this band I urge you to check out this record. And while you are at it, take a break from your trip down memory lane and check out what’s going on in New Hollywood.

95 out of 100

Track Listing

1. Automaton
2. Together Whatever *
3. Shine On *
4. No Man’s Land *
5. Darker Minds *
6. Dead Crusade
7. Powerline (feat. Michael Starr) *
8. Resurrection of the Damned
9. We Die Hard *
10. Shell Shock
11. Unbroken *
12. I Can’t Move On (Without You) *

*Best Songs