Hardcore Superstar – HCSS (2015) Album Review
Spring of this year brings us a new album from the titans of the Swedish rock-glam-sleaze scene, Hardcore Superstar (yes, Swedish and action-packed). Their latest release, HCSS 2015, arrives just two years after their previous album, C’mon Take On Me. However, when it comes to calculating their discography, as my friend David Vartabedijan would say, “It’s a very, very strange thing.” Technically, HCSS 2015 is their 10th album if we count from the beginning of their career, but musically, one might argue it’s only their sixth.
The first four albums leaned towards a vintage rock style, but starting in 2005 with their self-titled album, Hardcore Superstar, the band entered a much more serious and successful phase of their career. That said, there have been ups and downs since then: the phenomenal Dreamin’ in a Casket (2007), the metallic sleaze-thrash album Beg For It (2009), the quintessential sleaze-glam rock record Split Your Lip (2010), and the penultimate C’mon Take On Me (2013). Their first four albums can be seen as the band’s internal struggle, making them somewhat “shaky” releases, but the fact remains that Hardcore Superstar solidified their reputation after 2005, becoming one of the best bands on the Swedish sleaze-glam scene.
Consistency That Few Can Boast
Not every band can pride themselves on such continuity in their career. These Gothenburg rockers released a slew of singles, DVDs, and compilations between 1998 and 2015, helped by the fact that lineup changes have been relatively rare. Today’s lineup—drummer Magnus “Adde” Andreasson, vocalist Joachim “Jocke” Berg, bassist Martin Sandvik, and guitarist Vic Zino —has been playing together since Beg For It in 2008. That year, founding guitarist Thomas Silver, whose “Faster Pussycat on steroids” playing style was a hallmark of the band, left the group. Despite his departure, the band didn’t lose its trademark sleazy grit thanks to Vic Zino, formerly of rival Swedish band Crazy Lixx. Zino brought a dose of heavy metal to their sound without sacrificing the dirt and sleaze.
The Return to Their Roots on HCSS
As confirmed by the band members, HCSS 2015 marks something of a return to their early career sound. Bassist Martin Sandvik told Blabbermouth.net that inspiration for the album came when a fan gifted the band a demo of their songs from 1994. This sparked excitement and pushed Hardcore Superstar to revisit their old demos, which ultimately helped them rediscover themselves. The result is a diverse, modern album that also pays homage to their roots.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
1.Don’t Mean Shit – In true Hardcore Superstar fashion, this opener is already one of the band’s biggest hits. It’s exactly what these guys do best: catchy, melodic, and featuring fantastic lead guitar sections.
2.Party Till I’m Gone – This track has a slight garage-vintage-punk rock vibe, reminiscent of the early days of Hardcore Superstar and carrying a bit of The Hellacopters sound.
3.The Cemetery – The song starts strangely and unexpectedly, almost like some British rock experiment. But just as you start to wonder, “Why did they do this?” a signature Hardcore Superstar chorus kicks in, bringing the track back into familiar territory and making it an interesting listen overall.
4.Off With Their Heads – Opening with a melodic bass line that feels a bit pop-ish, shaking guitars come in to build up to another standout chorus. Hardcore Superstar are true masters of crafting memorable refrains, with Jocke Berg’s unique voice making this one of the album’s highlights.
5.Fly – At 7:43 minutes, this track is either a complete miss or a masterpiece. It’s the latter. The dark intro feels like a band rehearsal in a dim, smoky room. The pre-chorus surprises you, and the chorus bursts in unexpectedly, blending darkness and joy, with even a touch of grunge. A bold and successful experiment.
6.The Ocean – A track that combines various styles, from metal riffs to playful vocals by Jocke Berg. There’s a bit of everything here, making it stand out as a fun and unique mix.
7.Touch the Sky – A weaker track that deviates from the album with its unusual production and reggae-like vocals. Something about it just doesn’t click.
8.Growing Old – This track runs over five minutes, with an intro better suited for an opener. Once it kicks in, it’s a solid rock anthem with SOAD-like riffs and a standout chorus. The lyrics “We All Can Change” hint at the album’s experimentation and uncharacteristic moments.
9.Glue – Released as a single, this positively quirky track has a nostalgic vibe and a jam-like feel. Vic Zino’s playing adds a “glue-poison” effect that complements the album’s tone perfectly.
10.Messed Up For Sure – A solid rocker in typical Hardcore Superstar style, perfectly closing the album on a high note.
Final Thoughts
HCSS 2015 is a strong, cohesive album. While it nods to the band’s early days, it’s not a copy-paste effort but a modernized and well-executed release that reflects their experience and maturity. New creative directions are worth noting and commendable, even if they might not please everyone. The production remains top-notch, staying true to Hardcore Superstar’s established sound. At just under 10 tracks, the album is slightly shorter than its predecessors, but this adds to its sharpness.
If we were to rank it, HCSS surpasses the predictable C’mon Take On Me from 2013 but doesn’t quite reach the heights of the legendary Dreamin’ in a Casket (2007) or Split Your Lip (2010). Regardless, Hardcore Superstar continues to deliver. With their relentless pace of touring, albums, and singles, it wouldn’t be surprising to see something new from them next year.
Few bands today match their dedication, which is why Hardcore Superstar remains one of the best acts on the Swedish glam-sleaze scene—a scene reminiscent of L.A.’s legendary 1980s era—and a major presence on Europe’s biggest festival stages.
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