The Latin title of Swedish classic heavy rockers The Tower‘s full-length debut, Hic Abundant Leones, translates to “here are many lions.” A warning. Likewise, one might take a listen to the three-minute track “Exile” from The Tower‘s first outing for Bad Omen (North American distro via Prosthetic) and take it as a sign of what the record itself has in store.
Just as a lion isn’t the only thing that can kill you in the jungle, so too does Hic Abundant Leones have a deceptively multi-pronged attack, and while “Exile” gives a solid demonstration of the Uppsala four-piece’s retro vibes and penchant for lyrical references — you’ll note appearances from The Doormouse and Queen of Hearts, à la both Jefferson Airplane and Alice in Wonderland — it’s by no means a complete overview of the album’s nine-track/48-minute span.
01. Non Omnis Moriar (02:21)
02. Adrenalawine (03:02)
03. Exile (03:02)
04. Lucy (06:25)
05. Lions At The Gate (04:56)
06. Pinetree Mary (03:56)
07. Moonstoned (07:32)
08. Wounds (04:32)
09. The Tower (11:40)