Degreed
Dead But Not Forgotten

Heavy melodic rock from Sweden, that tends to be a mark of quality nowadays. Degreed is another one of those Swedish bands who recently released their third album that I now finally have managed to jot down some words about. They call the album Dead but Not Forgotten and it has a fitting cover for the title, and can one imagine that the title plays on what they wish for when their own demise arrives some years from now? I on the other hand believe that no many bands reach such status and for a more recent band it is even more difficult to reach that degree of recognition. Degreed is not a band I have noticed myself, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve immortality – after all Caj was very complimentary of their previous album.

It is modern melodic hardrock with a classic styled singer for the genre and their music is pretty faithful to the roots of the genre while still remaining fairly modern. They have pretty good drive and energy in their songs, and I really like the keyboards that have a fairly small role in the grand scheme of the music but they still make a big impression. I think that they production is really strong, melodic and still fairly edgy, very likeable and I doubt they will frighten off many music lovers. Faithful to the genre they work with strong choruses and a catchy disposition, I think the album is very easily accessible even for the one hearing the band for the first time – it is the strength of the album. 14 tracks and not overly much on the side of variation is less good, this despite the fact that they have a track called Kill Your Darlings – something they clearly have forgotten to do themselves.

“Fasten your seat belts cause heaven and hell are about to collide” is a catchphrase of the press email, my question is where? This album is clearly not that edgy; it is more restrained and seems more geared to fit everyone than anyone. To me it sounds like an album that everyone will like but that no one will love, it is good but it has nothing that really grabs me and that makes it stand out. I actually grow pretty tired of it after as little as three times playing it. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a good album because it is, good and well-made but it lacks that last bit of punch that makes a good album great. I do however think fans of the genre and music fans in general will find the album agreeable, certainly not be disappointed.

For me this is an album in the middle of the scale if this genre, excellent production and strong melodies with catchy songs that one might grow tired of pretty fast. But it is an album that might please fans of the genre, probably fans of music in general but it lacks that final personal touch that makes a good album great or fantastic. No song really stands out and catches me as a potential hit song and the album does not really reach all the way. If you are interested in Degreed I think you should check out their previous album that was really well received when it was released, they are clearly a solid and competent band and apparently they did better in the past.

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