Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Danish act Sea impressed the rock universe in 2014 with their self-titled debut album 'Sea'. The sophomore effort, 'The Grip of Time', was recorded by Jakob Winther (Lukas Graham) at Vibe Factory in Copenhagen and mastered by Alex Wharton at Abbey Road (Beatles). The band build on their penchant for hooks and classic hard rock stylings with this second effort. Vocalist Anders Brink is the essential mouth piece of the foursome, soaring with higher register vocals but utilizing a bluesy mid-register to enhance the mood and substance. I can hear everything from classic 80s arena rock to the raw and rugged tones of NWOBHM and late 70s metal showmanship. The band hit their stride early with lead-off single "Once We Were Dead", a centerpiece track that has an odd timing signature before running the rails on hot fretwork to close out the jam. Moody cuts like "No Dawn" recall early Y&T while effective hooks dominate songs like "Dust Will Fall". So, what's the problem? Brink over sings nearly the whole album and doesn’t have the experience (or patience) to let the songs build organically. The writing leaves a lot to be desired, but this is just record two and it's supposed to, right? Given enough guidance, bar-boogie years and better restraint, Sea should be bigger than their comparisons in Rival Sons.