November 10, 2023 by A.S. Van Dorston

Norwegian hard rockers’ seventh album in a decade is their most accessible yet.

In the video for their first single from their seventh album, “Sands of Time,” Spidergawd poke fun at the idea that they are dinosaurs, as they literally stack their influences on the counter with a snotty hipster record store clerk sneering at their choices, which encompasses a wide range of classic rock from the 70s and 80s, including twin guitar pioneers Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. At one point, a dinosaur mask appears on lead singer/guitarist Per Borten’s head, then shifts to another member. And yet, there is no single band that this Norwegian band, who just celebrated a decade of service in rock, sounds like. While Bent Saether was an original member until 2016, they really don’t share a lot in common with Motorpsycho. But there are other contemporaries who at least scratch a similar itch like Gypsyhawk/Gygax, Horisont, Corsair, Black Trip/VOJD, Carousel/Outsideinside/Limousine Beach and Dead Lord. They made an effort to reach for the production and hooks of early 80s AOR hard rock, no easy task. Many of those bands who had hits have spent decades chasing the dragon to write songs just as memorable but fail.

Spidergawd do an admirable job of at least getting close to that level on a number of tracks. Not that they’ll be selling out stadiums anytime soon, but in a better world, along with The Vintage Caravan, Rival Sons and High Spirits, they would be hugely popular. The latter band is probably the closest in spirit to the sound of VII, with it’s driving melodic rock and urgent choruses. After the catchy barnburner “Sands of Time,” the chugging, almost desert rock “The Tower” brings to mind what Judas Priest may have been aiming for on their interesting, underrated Point of Entry (1981). One thing that sets Spidergawd apart from their peers is Rolf Martin Snustad’s saxophone, which is more subdued on this album, mostly providing textures that reinforces the guitar lines rather than standing out. One of the exceptions is on the storming “Dinosaur,” a welcome return. “Bored to Death” maintains the tempo, but sets it on cruise, stretching out to enjoy some tasty solos on the back half.

“Your Heritage” begins with a barrage of drums worth of Keith Moon/Nicko McBrain, before Per nails the stickiest melodic vocal chorus I’ve heard since Spirit Adrift’s latest. “Afterburner” juices up with some NWOBHM level gallop, catchy riffs, solos and even some screams. “Anchor Song” slows the tempo a bit, indulging in some moody atmospherics, but maintains the power. The eighth and final track, “…And Nothing but the Truth” is the biggest departure, with some ambient background sounds and a lonely wail of Snustad’s sax. Of course the song soon boils over with enticing rock action with a fabulously emotive vocal performance from Borten that’s up there with some of Graveyard’s Joakim Nilsson’s best work, and more gorgeous lead guitar lines. Is the album over before I’m ready? Perhaps, but hey, there is another four and a half hours of more Spidergawd music worth checking out, including a collection of covers and B-sides.

For some reason it’s rare for Norwegian bands to use Bandcamp. However the new album is now available there! You can also buy the records from Stickman, other downloads from the usual suspects and stream in all the places. So no more excuses, Spidergawd require your attention. If you are wondering where all the good hard rock music is, you need this urgently.