Simon RushworthKadavar – Berlin (Nuclear Blast)
Genre: Heavy Rock
Imagine if The Darkness called their next album Lowestoft. Or Def Leppard delivered a brand new opus called Sheffield. It’s no surprise that so few rock bands name records after their hometowns and yet Berlin has a deliciously dark ring to it.
Kadavar’s initially disparate members decamped there a decade ago and it’s the city that has shaped their heavy rock sound. It’s the city that brought them together, embraced their creativity and welcomes them back after weeks and months on the road.
Now Berlin is also the record that could define this band’s career. It really should be third time lucky in terms of delivering the talented trio the commercial success and critical acclaim their deep and meaningful music deserves.
Predecessor Abra Kadavar was exciting enough but here Christoph Lindemann helps his band mates scale thrilling new heights. The guitarist/vocalist is in blistering form as he leads the troops though the deeply ironic Last Living Dinosaur: Kadavar may craft music rooted in the past and yet they’re at the forefront of the new wave of affecting classic rock.
Filthy Illusion and See The World With Your Own Eyes throw into focus the lyrical power underpinning this band’s monstrous riffs and pounding rhythms. Kadavar boast the full package. And Berlin realises their ambition. Simon Rushworth
RUSHONROCK RATED: 9/10 Berlin Haul