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Snakes In Paradise: Step Into The Light
Snakes In Paradise - Step Into The Light Music Review

Snakes In Paradise: Step Into The Light

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Released: 14.09.2018
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 12.09.2018

Once more another, rather obscure, classic rock band gets a second chance at life. Born in Sweden in the early Nineties, Snakes In Paradise garnered some acclaim in the same decade with Snakes In Paradise (1994) and Garden Of Eden (1998). According to more than a few sources, the latter album reminded some of a Whitesnake inspired sound. The band continued to soldier on to release Dangerous Love in 2002, then quickly abandoned all hope after that. But is not hope the very thing dreams are made of. Thanks to praise for a one-off show at a 2016 Swedish music festival, the band has been reunited for a new and fourth studio album, Step Into The Light for Frontier Music.

Snakes In Paradise Band Photo Click For Larger Image

Snakes In Paradise

If you're unfamiliar with Snakes In Paradise, don't feel left out. I never heard of them either. So here's the simple lowdown: Snakes In Paradise plays classic melodic hard rock ala the Eighties, perhaps with a touch of blues and soul, but definitely with a large amount of AOR sensibility. From the depth of talent and discipline of experience, the band easily crafts enjoyable, accessible, and entertaining classic rock. Strong melodies, sweet vocal harmonies, and easy refrains are at a premium. The rhythm section is tight and expressive, offering infectious power and groove. And what is classic rock without stirring guitar work? Nothing. Stefan Jonsson lays down some fine soaring solos.

Even more, we all know how a lead singer can make or break a band. The great strength of Snakes In Paradise may be vocalist and producer Stefan Berggren, who has a terrific voice. He has the ability to follow melody and lead harmony while at the same time singing with strength and soulfulness. In short, he's a pleasure to listen to (and constant readers know how much I find lead vocals to be important).

Put all these things together, and Snakes In Paradise delivers some fine classic rock tunes. Kudos go to rockers such as Wings Of Steel, Living Without Your Love, and the guitar fiery Life's Been Good To You & Me. On the more AOR side both Things and Will You Remember Me are ready to lift arena rafters. Soulful ballads arrive with After The Fire Is Gone and the chick friendly Angelin.


In the end, and having no real reference to their previous work, Snakes In Paradise's Step Into The Light is simply a solid and entertaining album of AOR melodic hard rock. But for them, it's probably both an unexpected opportunity and a welcome recognition of their talent and experience. Recommended.



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The Bottom Line

In the end, and having no real reference to their previous work, Snakes In Paradise's Step Into The Light is simply a solid and entertaining album of AOR melodic hard rock. But for them, it's probably both an unexpected opportunity and a welcome recognition of their talent and experience. Recommended.

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