Dropping a third album in four years, Swedish band Freaks and Clowns subscribes to a strike while the iron is hot philosophy when it comes to writing and recording. The quintet contains three members of Astral Doors -traversing a sound that contains a mixture of classic heavy metal and modern heavy rock to make We Set the World on Fire compelling and immediate in appeal over the course of these thirteen tracks.
Specific elements of the tones for the crunchy guitar and drum kit allow Freaks and Clowns to sound very current – almost as if taking in say Primal Fear or Rob Halford’s early 2000’s solo work standing side by side against Five Finger Death Punch. The layers of twin guitar melodies that weave in and out of the title track for instance keep ears abuzz, the natural mid-tempo main hook sure to provide an audience bonanza for devil horns, neck whipping support. The addition of groove/swinging moments along with gang-oriented background vocal support in key sequences galvanize specific songs to almost arena-level appeal – “When Evils Got a Hold on You” especially garnering that toe-tapping atmosphere, the evil clean transition along with vocalist Christer Wahlgren’s biting, gritty delivery another dynamic winner. The firepower of Mats Gesar and Mathias Henrysson as guitarists provides plenty of heavy lifting for killer riffs, spirited quick hitting licks, and solid soloing throughout – “Fight Fire with Fire” and the slightly doomy “Toxic” two key signature cuts that showcase their mastery. Amidst the standard metal fare the record ends on a semi-power ballad venture for “Heaven’s Calling My Name”, the chorus exposing the weaknesses of Christer’s natural register, as he can be a little screechy than necessary while the clean to electric transitions and overall momentum musically is professionally delivered.
Embracing the theatrical angle of their name with stage makeup that crosses elements of Alice Cooper and King Diamond, Freaks and Clowns aren’t aiming to change society through their music. They just love classic heavy metal from the 80’s, put some modern tones and production values in the mix, and come out with a fun, entertaining album that hopefully elevates your mood through every playback.