Gothenburg, Sweden is home to new band XXX. What this Swedish band have done is to take influences from the harder edge of ‘70’s British glam bands such as Slade and The Sweet and mix these with early ‘80’s American influences such as Quiet Riot, Poison and Motley Crue. The result is new album 'Heaven, Hell or Hollywood?', 10 tracks of anthemic glam rock.

With all 3 band members sharing vocals, and the lyrics for all the songs (with the exception of a superb rendition of Cheap Trick’s 'I Want You To Want Me') coming from drummer Snowy Shaw, there is a thread of consistency throughout- not surprising really when you consider that the band have also produced the record themselves.

Highlights include opening track 'Hello!' - a song that sets the pace for the rest of the album, 'We’re Gonna Rock', 'So Fxxxing You', 'Tomboy' and title track, 'Heaven, Hell or Hollywood?'.

With each band member taking on a super hero-style character (Drummerboy, Axeman and Basstard), the CD booklet and cover features artwork by Marvel Comics artist Al Rio.

Hopefully the band will tour Europe in support of 'Heaven, Hell or Hollywood?'.

****

Review by Nikk Gunns