After their AOR infused self-titled debut album, Swedes SNAKES IN PARADISE released this sophomore CD in 1998, “Garden Of Eden“. Difficult times for the classic rock genre, but SNAKES IN PARADISE didin’t care and didn’t joined the alternative wagon like others: “Garden Of Eden” rocks with an ’80 / early ’90s punch.
“Garden Of Eden” still retains the AOR sensibility of the debut LP, but this time the guitars have been turned up to 11, the riffs are bigger and production huge. The band wanted a more classic hard rock sound and they deliver in spades. Shades of ’80s Whitesnake appear here and there, however SNAKES IN PARADISE has their own Scandinavian touch.
This reissue managed by the YesterRock team of NL Distribution and expert Toni Übler handling the remastering is excellent. The drums sound much better and the vocals clearer, and we have as extras the original couple of Japanese Edition bonus tracks, and 3 previously unreleased songs.
On “Garden Of Eden” Snakes In Paradise plays classic melodic hard rock ala the Eighties, with a touch of blues and AOR melodies which are the DNA of this band. From the depth of talent and discipline of experience, the band easily crafts enjoyable, accessible, and entertaining classic stuff.
Strong melodies, sweet vocal harmonies, and easy refrains are at a premium. The rhythm section is tight and expressive, offering infectious power and groove. And what is classic rock without stirring guitar work? Stefan Jonsson lays down some fine soaring solos.
Even more, we all know how a lead singer can make or break a band. The great strength of Snakes In Paradise is frontman (and here also producer) Stefan Berggren, who has a terrific voice. He has the ability to follow melody and lead harmony while at the same time singing with strength and soulfulness. In short, he’s a pleasure to listen to.
Songs like “Can’t Let Go” or “Voice Inside” takes you to Whitesnake’s atmospheres of their 1987 album, “Child of Yesterday”, “I Want It All”, “Don’t Let Your Love Turn to Hate”, etc all are very strong numbers alternating midtempos, rapid rockers and ballads.
You can’t get wrong with this classic stuff.
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – Seventh Wonder
02 – Don’t Let Love Turn To Hate
03 – Voice Inside
04 – Child Of Yesterday
05 – Gypsy In Your Blood
06 – Key To Your Heart
07 – Hard Day Long
08 – Vagabond
09 – I Want It All
10 – Without Love
11 – Can’t Let Go
12 – Garden Of Eden
BONUS TRACKS:
13 – Break The Barriers To A New Dimension (Japanese Bonus Track)
14 – New York City Sky (Japanese Bonus Track)
15 – Life’s Been Good To You And Me (Previously Unreleased)
16 – If Love Is A Game (Previously Unreleased)
17 – Time To Say Goodbye (Previously Unreleased)
Stefan Berggren – Vocals
Tomas Jakobsson – Guitars/Vocals
Stefan Jonsson – Guitars/Vocals
Thomas Jansson – Keyboards/Vocals
Thomas Thorberg – Fender Bass/Vocals
Peter Petterson – Drums