The Quill-Full Circle (Metalville)

It’s been six years since Sweden’s The Quill have graced us with another LP of their legit-sounding retro-rock, with Full Circle being the band’s first proper full length since sadly losing their incredible former frontman, Magnus Ekwall.

Not that any of this really matters in the big picture, given the fact that verrrry few people have been listening during the course of The Quill’s existence, which is even more depressing, given the stellar songwriting displayed on such albums as 2002′s Voodoo Caravan and it’s 2003 follow-up, Hooray! It’s a Deathtrip.

While the band’s last album-2006′s In Triumph-crashed and burned upon it’s initial release, Full Circle seeks to build from the ashes of Ekwall’s departure (and the arrival of new singer Magz Arnar) via a more updated, less ‘classic rock’ sounding effort, for a new audience.

As a result, Full Circle seems to possess a bit more in common with bands like Hellfueled, Soundgarden, Black Label Society and even The Cult-despite the fact that Arnar’s powerful voice is a dead ringer for Grand Magus frontman JB Christofferson-then their hazier, more psychedelic days. There is much more emphasis upon ‘Thee Riff’ and it’s importance here, with a stripped down and centered songwriting aesthetic which speaks much of the band’s desire to streamline their sound, perhaps for a new audience.

Ultimately, they succeed, with Full Circle serving as one of the band’s most imminently listenable releases to date. Still, Ekwall’s passionate croon is missed, and the songwriting of super-early Quill efforts still rings loud and true on the back burner. Kudos still belong leveled at the band for their unerring dedication towards The Rock, however, for Full Circle is an admirable step from The Quill’s death door situation.

Rating: B+

Written by MetalGeorge