Album Review: Deaf Rat – Ban The Light (AFM Records)

Swedish rockers Deaf Rat release their debut album ‘Ban The Light’ on 1st November 2019, out on AFM Records.

Singer Frankie Rich states:

I had a rough time in school being different in every possible way. I had a funny name, red curly hair, parents from a different country. On top of that I was listening to KISS and WASP while the kids in my school listened to Backstreet Boys and The Spice Girls. I was miserable from being made fun of because I was different.

‘Ban The Light’ is a tough punch, a statement to everyone who has been made fun of or belittled, to all those who are a little different & had been singled out because of what they wear or who they are.

Bouncing from the start, Deaf Rat make a defiant stand with Fallen Angels. Hyper activity, the riffs are one thing but the catchy chorus is quite another. It’s the kind of start that makes you sit up and take notice.

The slower tempo of Hail The End of Days might lack the same energy as the previous track but it certainly won’t cause any slumps thanks the powerful vocals of Frankie Rich. Tying You Down keeps things rooted in a more chilled vibe but here, aside from the vocals again, the drums are particularly tight. Save Me From Myself then delivers a classy chorus driven banger, a foot tapping rock-along.

So far, so very rocking. Deaf Rat have all the makeup of a band that belong on the bigger rock stages. A cool look and and album that would appeal to causal rock fans as much as it would the more hardcore fanbase.

Showcasing some diversity, the title track is the moodiest track heard so far. Echoy guitar rhythm with a bit more depth to the riffs. The heavier track is then followed by the most mellow track in Bad Blood, a soft and melodic tune that makes use of a violin to heighten the darkness surrounding the vocals.

If that doesn’t do much for you (it’s not a personal favourite) the rock groove is back in full force for Make You Suffer, Say You Love Me and Wanted Forever. The trio offer variety but with the same undercurrent of hard-hitting rock throughout.

All before Welcome to Hell sees things out in super moody and atmospheric style. A funny track to crop up, it’s the most disconcerting and overly relies on effects to its detriment. Not the kind of finish I’d have hoped for but a small blip on an overly strong rock effort from these Swedish up and comers.

Deaf Rat – Ban the Light Full Track Listing:

1. Fallen Angels
2. Hail The End Of Days
3. Tying You Down
4. Save Me From Myself
5. Ban The Light
6. Bad Blood
7. Make You Suffer
8. Say You Love Me
9. Wanted Forever
10. Welcome To Hell

Links

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