Review | H.E.A.T – Welcome To The Future

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‘Welcome To The Future’ is the 2nd H.E.A.T album since the return of vocalist Kenny Leckremo behind the microphone. By now we may say that the band is a stable factor in the Melodic Hard ‘n’ Heavy Genre and also with this album they continue their course. Main composer is once again keyboardist Jona Tee, also the driving force behind this band.

Musically, there has certainly been no landslide, as the band seamlessly picks up where they left off on ‘Force Majeure’. With ,,Disaster’’, they open at a high tempo only to switch back to a more mid-paced tempo during ,,Bad Time For Love’’.

A pace that is maintained on most of the songs. In terms of tempo and groove, these songs will provide jump moments live, because they are perfect for that. Real highlights? Unfortunately, I can’t really find those on this album. Perhaps songs like ,,Rock Bottom’’ and ,,We Will Not Forget’’ come closest.

A FAMILIAR SOUND

Perhaps I have yet to discover the gems, but so far it all sounds a bit familiar and of the same. It’s all very solid, vocals, interplay, production, however, I miss the feeling that this album grabs me by the throat and won’t let go. I kind of miss out on the rough edge. The boundaries aren’t really pushed and I think that’s a shame, because I know this band definitely can.

Of course ‘Welcome To The Future’ has all the elements that H.E.A.T is known for. The guitar riffs, the hooks, the keyboard tunes, the harmony vocals, it’s all there, but I still get the feeling that I’m listening to an album filler here and there. A pity, because I know that an album like ‘II’ grabbed me by the throat and did not let go. And that has not only to do with Erik Grönwall‘s vocal skills. The band was also balancing on a sharper edge in terms of songwriting at that time.

H.E.A.T – THE CONCLUSION

This album will most certainly put a smile on the face of the majority of fans, but I don’t think ‘Welcome To The Future’ will be a stand out album for the band, as it’s all a bit too predictable for that what we get to hear. Nonetheless, I am glad that there are bands like H.E.A.T that keep up the flag of this genre. ‘Welcome To The Future’ is a fine interlude as far as I’m concerned.

Release date: 25 April 2025