John Liiva’s band HEARSE returns with a second album, entitled “Armageddon Mon Amour”. If that title is inspired by the movie “Hiroshima Mon Amour” directed by Alan Resnais is beyond my knowledge. Anyway: this band reminded my a bit of the second FURBOWL output. Somewhat groovy Death Metal elements, a slight punk edge, melodic hooks and leads and a Rock-influenced approach similar to modern ENTOMBED plus some stoner elements. Some clean guitar effects, Hammond organ and female vocal lines (few) are included to spice the mixture up. This sounds like the most superfluous rehash possible you may think when reading this, hehe! Actually, I think this album works and is more than suitable for beer drinking. Liiva’s vocals sound great and I definitely enjoy this band here more than ARCH ENEMY in every respect. The production is ok as well, the sleeve is nicely illustrated. Ah, and there is a cover of Kim Wilde’s ‘Cambodia’ which is quite funny. Better than I thought is my final conclusion and people into for example DISGRACE, XYSMA or the aforementioned bands should be sure to check this out. Buhuu, I could cry – one riff in ‘Tools’ sounds exactly like a part in ‘Cremation’ by MACRODEX (on the “Projections Of A Stained Mind” – sampler)… www.hearse.se.