Consistent in releasing product on a biennial basis since Common Destiny in 2012, Jaded Heart remains a steady presence for reliable melodic heavy metal / hard rock material. Michael Bormann elevated the early years of the group, and since 2004 Johan Fahlberg has held that vocal torch high as his replacement. Intuition is an interesting stop-gap EP before the band sets its sights on the next studio album – containing one new song, two special covers plus a live track to satisfy the hordes who crave more from this veteran act.
The title track as the freshest song contains a reflective piano introduction from guest keyboardist Henrik Larsson, a steady headbanging offering that between Johan’s potent mid-range to higher inflections and the bluesy rhythms of guitarist Peter Östros should meet with major approval in all old to new Jaded Heart camps. The first cover of “Dance the Night Away” isn’t shocking to this scribe – early Europe obvious in their legendary impact on the European hard rock scene, given an energetic, crunchy boost (love the flashy double kick hits from Bodo Stricker) to take this classic Wings of Tomorrow cut to another generation who may not have looked into the early catalog of the group. Next is “Square Hammer” originally done by Ghost – a solid hit that makes toes tap and people sing along to the key main chord hooks beyond the mysterious vocal melodies for the killer chorus. “Love Is A Killer” from 2009’s Perfect Insanity record finishes, a live rendition from Hamburg, Germany that features some exciting neoclassical meets blues instrumental runs while Johan reaches for the higher echelon of his expressive range to leave listeners sweating for glory.
Jaded Heart contains the reliable components one would expect in a long-running hard rock / metal band – the emphasis for Intuition on exemplary performances, all woven together in a tightly driven songwriting first focus mold. A quick hitter that makes anticipation for the next record even higher.