Formed in 2006, Swedish melodic rock band Covered Call has released their debut, “Money Never Sleeps”. The album features the vocals of Thomas Wikström (ex-Candlemass, ex-Stormwind), who was recently announced as a permanent member in the new Therion line-up. Wikström is also the lead singer for bands Dark Illusion and Mehida, and performs as guest vocalist for Crash the System along with Mats Levén and others.

Among the ten tracks on “Money Never Sleeps”, there are a couple of pretty solid songs, such as ‘I Wanna Be Free’ and ‘Nothing At All’. The title track is terribly commercial sounding, with a melody that could literally be a commercial. There just weren’t many memorable hooks or melodies on this album to draw you in. The best thing the band has going for it is Wikström’s vocals. He has a noteworthy voice that comes across clean and smooth and is a pleasure to listen to.

I’m looking forward to hearing more of his vocals…on the next Therion album.