From probably the most metal / hard rock country in Europe, Finland, hails a band going under the moniker of SERPICO (yes, they’re named after the Al Pacino 1973 movie). The group founded in 2005, consists of Vee Dour (lead vocals), Snake (lead guitars & backing vocals), Matt Gee (bass & backing vocals) and Jani Serpico (drums & backing vocals).
SERPICO is classic hard rock, and the first interesting thing about this quartet is that all band-members take care of vocal duties, either as lead or backing vocals. The music is fast-paced riff-driven hard rock, with in-your-face guitar leads, booming bass lines, explosive drums, and layered vocals.
After the first minute of their new album “Dressed in Flesh” Serpico quickly showcases a sound that utilizes modern production while staying true to a nostalgic, old-school heavy metal / rock ‘n’ roll analog sound, warm, punchy and quite listenable, yet not overproduced nor over-polished.
Members mention as main influences KISS, Bonfire, Skid Row, Gary Moore, etc. Despite of these mainly ’80s influences, Serpico crafts and refines a classic hard rock / metal style that pays homage to all-time greats while building a unique sound that is distinct to the band, very ‘Scandinavian’.
All nine songs are guitar driven, without any keyboard parts and with great focus on guitars & vocals. “Hard as a Cannonball” is the energetic opening song, and already there one can get an idea what this band is about; cool riffs, strong vocals and sing-along chorus.
More or less same thing can be said about many other tracks on this album, esp. with rock’n’roll anthems like “Rock n’ Roll is Not Dead” or “Sweet Rebel Darling” which gets one in a really good mood.
Again, this doesn’t mean that their sound is not varied nor diverse, quite the opposite is the case here. On other hand, but still with their trademark recognizable sound, they explore others sounds and arrangements on tracks such as “This Song” or “Magma Hound”.
Hard rockers Serpico provide 35 minutes of fun, entertaining music here. It’s sure to please fans of true rock n’ roll, as it’s jammed with energetic and high fueled songs. The album was recorded on and mixed to magnetic tape to captured that vintage magic, however everything sounds fresh and punchy on
Highly Recommended
01 - Hard as a Cannonball.mp3
02 - Rock n' Roll is Not Dead.mp3
03 - This Song.mp3
04 - Lightning Strikes.mp3
05 - Iron Boots.mp3
06 - Sweet Rebel Darling.mp3
07 - Out of the Grave.mp3
08 - Magma Hound.mp3
09 - Mayday.mp3
Serpico – Dressed in Flesh 2025
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