SVEN GALI –  Bombs and Battlescars (2023 Music In Motion Entertainment)

Look at me, in the eyes! When I say “Sven Gali is back,” I’m meaning it! The Canadian Quintet revitalised themselves with the 3 EP in 2020, and took their time with their next full-length (their first since 1995).  They recruited Coney Hatch bassist/singer Andy Curran for some of the production duties, picked a Triumph song to cover, and hit the road playing well-received shows in 2023.  Bombs and Battlescars is the name of the record.  Of note, the late Dee Cernile is credited with co-writing several tracks, and the album includes some unreleased demos from the before-fore times.  Let’s have a listen.

One thing for certain:  don’t expect Sven Gali to suddenly revert back to the sound of their self-titled debut.  This is a much heavier, more pounding and frankly more satisfying Sven Gali.  Opener “One Gun” slams with a more viscous brutality, but singer Dave Wanless is still the same.  If I wanted to hear the sound of ’92 again, I’d play the original purple platter by Sven (recently reissued on coloured vinyl).  I want the sound that satisfies the “me” of today – and I’m as frustrated as Sven Gali sound on “One Gun”.  The snaky guitar solo is just icing on the cake.  “I’m losin’ faith!” proclaims Wanless, and I believe him.

A steady chunky groove introduces “Coming Home”, a headbanger with a dark Metallica vibe.  Dan Fila and Shawn Minden lay down this beat that just boils.  The lead guitars are like liquid adamantium, but beneath it all churns a volcanic pressure cooker.  This is possibly the highlight of the new songs, a memorable track that demands to be cranked.  Car test it for good measure.  (The band is rounded out by guitarists Andy Frank and Sean Williamson.)

The Triumph cover is, appropriately, third in line.  “Spellbound” suits Sven Gali surprisingly well, but they don’t play it straight.  They’ve thrown the track into the darkest night, but let the chorus light the way.  Guitar textures are added.  This song should make the longtime fans very happy.  It’s Triumph, but presented as heavy as possible.  Listen to Fila annihilate his drums!

Darkness dominates on “Life Inside”, a dusky dirge with some pretty cool guitar work.  The atmospheric “Monster” resists being called a “ballad” but it’s the slowest moment in the journey thus far.  “Monster” just kills, not straightforward or easy to categorize.  It’s moody and doesn’t let up.

“Hang Me Out” is the first of the unreleased demos, and there’s something nostalgic about that.  You can hear an audible shift in sound, and “Hang Me Out” definitely has a mid-90s vibe.  There are twists and turns in the music that bring you right back.  Then the wah-wah pedal comes out for the relentless guitars on “Hogs”.  The funky groove here definitely brews nostalgia, but this track should have been released long ago!  By the end of it, you’ll be shoutin’ “HOGS!”  The 8th track “All” goes for speed and groove while the guitars ring in chaotic perfection.

Finally, a record needle drops and the acoustic guitars come out for the closing ballad and classic in the making:  “Nothing New”.  As much as Sven are known for rocking, some of their big hits were ballads (like “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”).  “Nothing New” is a lovely, stripped down ballad with sweet melodies and the purity of acoustic music.

Ultimately the demos are just as entertaining as the rest of the album.  They make you wish they’d come out ages ago.

Well done to Sven Gali on Bombs & Battlescars, a blazing comeback with a surprisingly tender ending.

4/5 stars

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