The Swedes’ eight song debut is hyped by their label as a mix of Iron Maiden, Queensryche and Fates Warning (Ray Alder era, circa "Perfect Symmetry"/"Parallels"- that’s my assertion). If true, it’s a killer combination! Well, they certainly have the Fates component down, especially the lead ins. Not so sure about the other comparisons, apart from a high pitched vocalist. Definitely could appeal to the fanbase of all the aforementioned.

‘The Griever’ sees symphonic strings enter the mid-tempo fray, while ‘My Mistakes’ kicks off with acoustic guitar. I would classify Malison Rogue as hard rock, with a hint of the progressive, not heavy metal. Brief snippets of mournful violin creep into ‘Scars’ and a female joined duet comes in the form of ‘Everything Fades’. ‘We’re All Born Sinners’ lifts the tempo in a cheesy/bubblegum way, envision countless early 90s (once Big) hair bands, or emasculated pomp of post-"Sin Decade" 90s Pretty Maids.

Not too surprising, given the rising glam tide in their homeland. A nice first attempt, will be interesting to see where they go from here!