Some might see Sweden’s Aces High as a totally lost cause for playing a form of hard music that’s been so out of style for so long that nobody can possibly remember it. I can’t recall the last time I heard a hardrock (not heavy, speed, thrash, death, power, black or any other for of metal) album. Can it have been as far back as the 90s? With this in mind it took me a couple of spins to really understand where the band is coming from. Try thinking the more melodic hardrock bands of the 80s, drop the hair and make-up and you have a pretty good idea where to place Aces High. But that’s not good enough for me. I can’t shake the feeling that something is missing. I wouldn’t have minded stronger melodies, an even more aggressive approach. As it is now I’m left with a feeling of restraint and tameness. www.gmrmusic.se