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Shakra: Mad World
Shakra - Mad World Art Work

Shakra: Mad World

Melodic Heavy Metal Rock
4.5/5.0

Since the late Nineties, Swiss rockers Shakra have consistently released a new studio album about every two to three years. They're closely approaching the legendary status of fellow Swiss heavyweights Gotthard. Shakra returns with their latest and 12th studio album, Mad World.

Shakra - Click For Larger Image

Shakra

Coming to a new Shakra album is an easy review. One, I like this band, always have. Ergo, there's not a whole lot of objectivity occurring in this writing. Two, as mentioned above, Shakra is consistent, always delivering their version of melodic heavy metal rock. Every song is a fine measure of sharp, yet harmonious, twin guitar riffage, abundant and feisty guitar solos, and plenty of gallop and groove from a robust rhythm section. I've always enjoyed how the bass and drum lines loom large in every Shakra song. They put the heavy in Shakra's metal, the groove in their heavy metal rock. For his part, Mark Fox remains the melodic, bit raspy, somewhat assertive rock vocalist. Of course then, all these things are wrapped up in the basics of song melody and harmony, and catchy refrains. There you go. Now wasn't that easy?

Every song within Mad World bristles with the aforementioned musical markers. However, my favorite heavy metal rockers came with Thousand Kings, Fireline, the damn catchy Too Much Is Not Enough, the short and fast I Still Rock, and the roaring When It All Falls Down. Setting the metal rock aside, Shakra drops a ballad with New Tomorrow, driven mostly by voice and acoustic guitar but, of course, rising to a fine guitar solo finish. Hey, what's not to like. Once more, Mad World finds Swiss heavy hitters Shakra in fine form, delivering another rousing album of their melodic heavy metal rock. Easily recommended.


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The Bottom Line

Once more, Mad World finds Swiss heavy hitters Shakra in fine form, delivering another rousing album of their melodic heavy metal rock. Easily recommended.

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