Melodic.
Exquisitely melodic, yet bursting with energy and freshness.
And sprinkled with a good dose of prog touches on a fundamentally AOR canvas.
That’s the first impression you get when trying to sum up the sound of Swedish band HEATHEN’S EYE.
The band themselves like to say that, since most of their members live in the beautiful North -land of white snow, aurora borealis, and winters of endless darkness followed by sunlit summers where the sun barely sets- it’s this magical contrast that has taken root in their creativity and is fully reflected in their music.
Whether it’s through heavy riffs and punchy hard rock cuts like “Shine”, or ethereal ballads like “Lost in the Wind”, HEATHEN’S EYE strike an ideal balance in their style.
There are tracks clearly built on prog metal foundations, such as “Monsters”, and others that walk the rhythmic path of arena rock anthems, like “Still Water Runs Deep”. The tracklist flows with care, delivering a truly enjoyable ride for every listener.
The band’s sonic diversity is also rooted in its lineup: five seasoned musicians from different musical backgrounds, each with a unique journey across genres, blending their paths into one coherent voice — crystal-clear in expression, rich in musicianship, and bursting with creative flair.
Göran Hamrin (guitar), Jonas Jönsson (drums), Mikael Andersson (keys), Ola Hellström (bass), and Robb Lindh (vocals) operate like a well-oiled machine, combining all their experience into a sound that pushes far beyond the borders of standard hard rock.
On this album, everyone delivers. Perfectly.
The influences are unmistakable — with strong references to the sound of the ’80s and ’90s, and to bands like QUEENSRYCHE, DIO, ACCEPT, LYNCH MOB, as well as the various works of JOE LYNN TURNER and TONY MARTIN.
The name of the album, “Port Inspiro”, “Inspired by the past” in Esperanto, is a tribute to the bands that set the Swedes on the path they now walk — but if there’s one thing that truly defines HEATHEN’S EYE, it’s their vibrant, revitalizing aura.
Their music echoes a glorious, unforgettable past, yet looks boldly toward the future — firmly rooted in the now, ready to launch sky-high into the firmament of success.
From the opener -the fast, aggressive, and smartly twisted “One Black Lie”– to the grand finale with the slow-paced and majestic “Time to Deliver”, “Port Inspiro” is a multilayered work, full-bodied and confident.
An album that’s a true rare gem for melody lovers — if you’re into truly QUALITY hard rock, DON’T sleep on this one!
“Port Inspiro” will be released on June 27th by Pride & Joy Music digitally and on CD.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can order the CD here.
