HCSS Album
HCSS Review
When Swedish hard rock outfit Hardcore Superstar formed back in 1997 in the large Scandinavian city of Göteborg (Gothenburg), little did they know that they were about to embark on a journey of rock and roll stardom and success that has so far spanned over 2 decades, 9 albums, countless European and World tours, 100’s of festival appearances, and an ever-growing passionate fan base.
After guitarist ‘Silver’ left in 2008, Hardcore Superstar didn’t know what was in store for them as they brought in Crazy Lixx guitarist Vic Zino as a temporary member. After some extensive touring, the band announced Vic as their new permanent guitarist and from this point on Hardcore Superstar as a rock and roll band changed forever and were thrown on to a path of becoming one of the most unstoppable R’N’R bands in recent times.
The album opens with the hauntingly epic and powerful track, ‘AD/HD’. Jocke’s lyrics hinting at a struggle to be open to society by displaying the darker, or more unconventional side to your personality. Hardcore Superstar have also been very open in their lyrical content about wanting to be themselves and standing up for what they believe in. It’s this honesty and raw realism present throughout all of their records that holds together a very strong bond between their music and their adoring fans.
HCSS have released some seriously epic songs during their career, but no one was prepared for the anthemic track ‘Electric Rider’. As soon as this single landed, fans just went absolutely nuts and Vic Zino’s beautiful but simple solo makes this one of the most memorable songs on the album, and of their career.
If you thought ‘Electric Rider’ was impressive though, wait until you hear ‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’! And when that Tom Morello style lead kicks in…..HELL YES! It seems Vic has really drawn from some of his personal influences and crafted his own personal sound on this record.
Hardcore Superstar always appear to want to push their sound in a new direction with every record, and ‘You Can’t Kill My Rock N Roll’ is no different. Ever since Vic joined the band, it seems like they’ve just had this newly revived love for their musical passion and what they try to create. The new record is another great example of the band putting everything they have into what they love doing which is creating insanely catchy and anthemic rock and roll albums. It’s rare to find artists that can portray their passion the way Hardcore Superstar do throughout their music but it seems effortless to them.
If you compare their latest release to their debut, ‘Bad Sneakers and a Pina Colada’, released back in 2000, it’s a totally different band. Hardcore Superstar are just constantly developing their sound and growing as artists. This shows nothing but absolute dedication to their craft, which is rare to see in almost any artist these days.
As always, one of the most enjoyable parts of any HCSS LP is Jocke’s vocals, they just have such a unique quality to them that really helps to set Hardcore Superstar apart from any other hard rock band. Combined with Vic’s unique Sgt Doom sound, Adde’s powerful beats, and Martins driving bass lines, HCSS have truly created their own unique sound and left their mark on the history of rock and roll as one of the most innovative bands of modern times.
We’ve tried to pick our top 3 tracks from the new record that we think you should listen to first, but honestly, it’s impossible! Hardcore Superstar have come to an impressive point in their career where they can do no wrong. ‘You Can’t Kill My Rock N Roll’ is an unstoppable onslaught of righteous riffs, vicious vocals, behemoth bass lines, and some of the most powerful drumming you’re going to hear from any band around at the moment.
If you speak to any musician born in the last 20/30 years and ask them what band influenced them the most to pick up an instrument, they’ll probably say Guns N Roses, AC/DC or The Rolling Stones. You have to wonder who’s going to carry that torch forward for future generations of musicians when the original founders of rock and roll are no more. With an expansive and unique back catalog of diverse material, a badass rock and roll image and the talent to go with it, ‘You Can’t Kill My Rock N’ Roll’ is just another stepping stone for Hardcore Superstar to take as they glide into the ever coveted halls of historic hard rock bands.
Hardcore Superstar are one of the most beloved artists on the planet right now and they just keep releasing outstanding records. ‘You Can’t Kill My Rock N Roll’ is everything we wanted from the new Hardcore Superstar record and so much more. If any band has sold their soul to the devil to play rock and roll, it’s Hardcore Superstar. You guys killed it! SKÅL!
After guitarist ‘Silver’ left in 2008, Hardcore Superstar didn’t know what was in store for them as they brought in Crazy Lixx guitarist Vic Zino as a temporary member. After some extensive touring, the band announced Vic as their new permanent guitarist and from this point on Hardcore Superstar as a rock and roll band changed forever and were thrown on to a path of becoming one of the most unstoppable R’N’R bands in recent times.
The album opens with the hauntingly epic and powerful track, ‘AD/HD’. Jocke’s lyrics hinting at a struggle to be open to society by displaying the darker, or more unconventional side to your personality. Hardcore Superstar have also been very open in their lyrical content about wanting to be themselves and standing up for what they believe in. It’s this honesty and raw realism present throughout all of their records that holds together a very strong bond between their music and their adoring fans.
If you thought ‘Electric Rider’ was impressive though, wait until you hear ‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’! And when that Tom Morello style lead kicks in…..HELL YES! It seems Vic has really drawn from some of his personal influences and crafted his own personal sound on this record.
Hardcore Superstar always appear to want to push their sound in a new direction with every record, and ‘You Can’t Kill My Rock N Roll’ is no different. Ever since Vic joined the band, it seems like they’ve just had this newly revived love for their musical passion and what they try to create. The new record is another great example of the band putting everything they have into what they love doing which is creating insanely catchy and anthemic rock and roll albums. It’s rare to find artists that can portray their passion the way Hardcore Superstar do throughout their music but it seems effortless to them.
If you compare their latest release to their debut, ‘Bad Sneakers and a Pina Colada’, released back in 2000, it’s a totally different band. Hardcore Superstar are just constantly developing their sound and growing as artists. This shows nothing but absolute dedication to their craft, which is rare to see in almost any artist these days.
As always, one of the most enjoyable parts of any HCSS LP is Jocke’s vocals, they just have such a unique quality to them that really helps to set Hardcore Superstar apart from any other hard rock band. Combined with Vic’s unique Sgt Doom sound, Adde’s powerful beats, and Martins driving bass lines, HCSS have truly created their own unique sound and left their mark on the history of rock and roll as one of the most innovative bands of modern times.
If you speak to any musician born in the last 20/30 years and ask them what band influenced them the most to pick up an instrument, they’ll probably say Guns N Roses, AC/DC or The Rolling Stones. You have to wonder who’s going to carry that torch forward for future generations of musicians when the original founders of rock and roll are no more. With an expansive and unique back catalog of diverse material, a badass rock and roll image and the talent to go with it, ‘You Can’t Kill My Rock N’ Roll’ is just another stepping stone for Hardcore Superstar to take as they glide into the ever coveted halls of historic hard rock bands.
Author Bio: AC Speed
Senior Editor
I started my career as a music journalist in 2013 and have been involved in the music industry as a touring musician, studio engineer and artist consultant since 2002, as well as previously being a signed artist. My passion for delivering high quality, informative music-related news is a daily driving force behind the content I create. Also a huge gaming nerd! Born in the United Kingdom and currently living in Sweden. Skål!
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