New Music Review: ECLIPSE ‘Megalomanium II’

Rating: 9 / 10 Stars

ECLIPSE is: Erik Mårtensson (vocals), Magnus Henriksson (guitar), Philip Crusner (drums), Victor Crusner (bass)

REVIEW – ECLIPSE returns with Megalomanium II, out September 20, 2024, via Frontiers Music Srl. The Swedish heavy rock titans follow up their highly acclaimed 2023 album ‘Megalomanium’ with a fresh collection of anthemic hard rock, soaring melodies, and electrifying guitar work. With big hooks, stellar production, and a relentless energy that refuses to be ignored, Megalomanium II cements ECLIPSE as one of Sweden’s premier heavy rock exports.

The album opens explosively with Apocalypse Blues, a blistering rock anthem featuring thunderous drumming, screaming guitar solos, and Mårtensson’s signature powerhouse vocals. The energy keeps rising with The Spark, a track designed to get crowds chanting and fists pumping with its huge, anthemic chorus and soaring riffs. Falling to My Knees continues the momentum, mixing crunchy guitars with an infectious rhythm that practically demands headbanging and singalongs.

Slowing things down momentarily, All I Want dives into an atmospheric dreamscape, delivering emotionally charged lyrics and mesmerizing melodies. Still My Hero brings classic hard rock swagger, packed with thumping bass, crisp riffs, and a larger-than-life chorus that recalls arena-filling anthems of the past. Dive Into You follows, delivering melancholic tones and nostalgic melodies that pull listeners deep into a world of reflection and longing.

Until the War Is Over erupts next, offering dynamic shifts between searing lead guitars and soaring vocal lines, making for one of the most memorable moments on the record. Divide & Conquer cranks the intensity back up, fueled by ferocious guitar work and stadium-sized choruses. As the album nears its conclusion, Pieces taps into deep emotional territory, layering haunting vocal harmonies over lush, melodic instrumentation.

The album’s final stretch includes To Say Goodbye, a sweeping ballad that captures Eclipse’s ability to create powerful, heartfelt moments within their hard-hitting rock sound. Finally, One in a Million ends the album on a triumphant note, with rallying choruses and a driving rhythm that unites listeners in one final moment of anthemic rock bliss.

With Megalomanium II, ECLIPSE delivers another hard rock masterpiece, blending modern production with classic rock nostalgia, proving once again that they are one of Sweden’s most dominant rock bands.