If there is one thing you have to appreciate about Hardbone, it is that they never try to hide their intentions. “Hardbeat” gets straight to the point: guitars up front, a rhythm that hits relentlessly, and a voice carrying all that raspy rock ’n’ roll attitude this particular style demands. From the very first tracks, it becomes clear that the Germans continue to invest more in feeling than in technical showmanship. The riffs are simple but effective, the choruses have the necessary immediacy, and the guitar work provides plenty of moments that raise the intensity. “Four To The Floor” is a characteristic example of this approach, while “House Of Rock ’n’ Roll” sounds almost tailor-made for the live environment, with the crowd singing along with the band. What is interesting is that, despite its obvious references to classic hard rock, “Hardbeat” never sounds sterile. There is a sense of spontaneity that makes the songs work even better as the volume goes up. “Big Dog” relies more heavily on groove, while “Evil For A Good Cause” brings out more aggression and gives the guitars room to take center stage. Of course, not everything is perfect. The album’s biggest weakness is that it does not offer many surprises. Hardbone know their formula and stubbornly stay within its boundaries. For some, this may mean a lack of evolution. For others, however, it is exactly the reason they will keep coming back to this record. “Hardbeat” does not need any big statements. It is energetic, dirty and authentic hard rock, made for loud listening and even louder live shows.
♦ 8,5/10
Frost and Fire
