Rating: 9 / 10 Stars
STARCHASER is: Ulrich Carlsson (vocals), Kenneth Jonsson (guitars), Örjan Josefsson (bass), Johan Koleberg (drums), and Kay Backlund (keyboards)
REVIEW – Kenneth Jonsson’s new band Starchaser will release their self-titled debut album on May 6, 2022 through Frontiers Music Srl. Kenneth’s musical adventure began as a solo album, but evolved into a new band as the synergy amongst the musicians became clear. Starchaser is Ulrich Carlsson (Shaggy, ex-M.ILL.ION), rjan Josefsson (Cibola Junction), Johan Koleberg (Wolf, Therion, Hammerfall), and Kay Backlund (Lions Share, Nils Patrik Johansson, Impera). Roger Bergsten produced Jonsson and Carlsson’s CD at Sweden’s Nevo Studio.
Swedish guitarist Kenneth Jonsson opted to concentrate on songwriting after leaving Tad Morose. He wanted to incorporate his ‘outside’ musical interests into hard rock/metal. By ‘outside’ musical influences, think of composers like Phillip Glass and Max Richter. He rapidly compiled a collection of tunes and then sought out musicians to assist him realize his goal.
Ulrich Carlsson (Shaggy, ex-M.ILLION) was his first pick for a vocalist since he has the ideal balance of clean and rough tone. Ulrich is melodious and a pleasure to work with. Kenneth believed Ulrich’s arrangement ideas made the songs seem even better than Kenneth’s words and vocal melodies. Kenneth subsequently recruited Cibola Junction bassist rjan Josefsson. Kenneth knew rjan well and wanted a bassist that thought musically like him. As with Ulrich, Örjan adds genuinely to the songs and matches the band’s concept.
Kenneth formed a deep friendship with drummer Magnus Ulfstedt while playing with Torch (ex Eclipse, Jimi Jamison, Nordic Union). Unfortunatley schedules prevented Magnus from playing on Starchaser. Magnus helped Kenneth find Johan Koleberg (Wolf, Therion, Hammerfall, etc.), who is a great fit. Kenneth’s songwriting is built on the piano, thus he required a talented keyboardist to assist him develop his ideas. He contacted Kay Backlund (Lions Share, Nils Patrik Johansson, Impera, etc.). Kay played keyboards and fit the theme nicely.
Kenneth acknowledged this wasn’t a “solo” record due to the positive and meaningful contributions from Ulrich, Kay, rjan, and Johan’s contributions.
The “Intro” track from STARCHASER’s self-titled debut album induces listeners to close their eyes and daydream about what’s to come. The next song, “Starchaser,” is a fist-pumping, head-banging metal masterpiece with screaming leads and soaring vocals. The next tune, “Tokyo,” contains majestic keyboards with crunchy riffs, superb vocals, thunderous percussion, and pounding bass. The fourth song, “Bringer Of Evil,” will have the listener grooving and rocking till they drop. The next song, “Dead Man Walking,” will have the audience on their feet and singing along. The next tune, titled “Angel Of Fear,” has soaring vocals, screaming guitars, pounding percussion, and rumbling bass.
The following song, “I’ll Find A Way,” rises gently and envelops your whole being. The next song, “Day Of Judgment,” will have the listener swaying with a fist raised in the air as emotions pour over them. The next song, “Killer Of Lies,” is a stunning song with its crunchy guitars, hammering drums, thumping bass, fantastic vocals, and powerful keyboards. The next tune, “Battleship,” will fully rock out and captivate the listener. The following song, “For A Dying World,” is an incredible musical adventure. The next song, “Homeground,” is filled with intense emotions that captivate the listener until the last note rings out. The final track, “The Nightingale Paradox (Outro),” allows the listener to close their eyes and let their imagination run wild.
On May 6, be sure to pick up your copy of STARCHASER’s self-titled debut, which will be released via Frontiers Music SRL.
For more information on STARCHASER, visit:
