Locomotive Breath
Change of Track

September 2006
Released: 2005, Lion Music
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: MetalChick

As a melodic metal band with a classic rock flavor, Sweden's Locomotive Breath present their third album, "Change of Track," to the world. This title is appropriate, as they have had some lineup changes, as well as jumping to a more melodic, catchy style. In some cases, along with that catchiness comes some cheese that may require a few listens to accept.



The first track, "H.M.M.," (which stands for Heavy Metal Meltdown) reminds me a little of KISS, not just in cheesiness, but vocally as well. It is a good tune to start the album with, as it showcases their style and sets the stage for the songs that follow. The ballad-like songs, "Leaving My Heart With You," and "Chains Around Heaven," take a bluesy rock turn that doesn't do much for the overall album. They shine more when they pick up the speed. The highlight may be the instrumental tune "Gargleblaster," which has a collection of guitarists sharing shred duties. Those guests include Hank Shermann of Mercyful Fate, and Mattias IA Eklundh of Freak Kitchen, among others.



Locomotive Breath is something different in comparison to the metal that usually comes out of Sweden. It's nothing new in the overall metal world, and is certainly nothing to get excited over, but Change of Track is a nice jam that made great driving music for my trips to work…