Album Review: Shakra – Mad World (AFM Records)

Shakra will release their new album ‘Mad World’ on the 28th February 2020 on AFM Records.

For a quarter of a century Shakra has been part of the music circus. Only someone who’s been in a band before, knows how fragile und exhausting this kind of social fabric is. 25 years is a very long time and only a few acts can make it this far. Guitarist, Thom Blunier, points out:

I’m extremely proud and thankful, that this band is still existing after 25 years of Rock’n’Roll. Those of you who have a clue the difficulties of existing as a band know, how precious and exceptional this is. I am ready for the next 25 years!

The band has experienced turbulent times with highs and lows together, but have always kept their eyes dead on target. This is also reflected in their multiple and regular chart entries in Germany and of course in Switzerland throughout those years. Their 25th anniversary is approaching in 2020 – and the quintet is ready to celebrate with their fans, in proper style with hard, catchy and energetic rock music.

With plenty of bounce and zip still in their steps, Shakra show that they’re still more than capable of doing hard rock music justice. 25 years is just good experience and it shows with an album of groove and vigour. Beginning with Fireline, it’s a proper old-school head-banger that is sleazily catchy.

Chunky riffs and weighty rhythm is what’s in store with Too Much Is Not Enough. Before the speed returns for the energetic A Roll of the Dice and Mad World. With a vocalist who sounds like a cross between Lemmy and Brian Johnson, it’s certainly not just about the riffs with When He Comes Around.

Burning as brightly as they did at the start, the catchiness of Shakra’s hard rock sound is key to keeping minds focused. Thousand Kings an easy singalong, I Still Rock an exceptionally defiant piece of groove and Fake News having something to say with a snarl.

Talking of snarls, this time coming from the guitars, Turn the Light On is a memorable piece of rock. Before that though, When It All Falls Down has a much more chilled vibe and after it, Son Of Fire is one of the most hyperactive tracks of the bunch.

Ending before it overstays its welcome, New Tomorrow is a sweet and savoury ballad. A solid end to a classy rock album from an ever endearing band.

Shakra – Mad World Full Track Listing:

1. Fireline
2. Too Much Is Not Enough
3. A Roll Of The Dice
4. Mad World
5. When He Comes Around
6. Thousand Kings
7. I Still Rock
8. Fake News
9. When It All Falls Down
10. Turn The Light On
11. Son Of Fire
12. New Tomorrow

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