In the realms of melodic metal, Sweden’s Lion’s Share has been synonymous with class and quality for over two decades. Not least thanks to a succession of great vocalists: Andy Engberg (220 Volt, Sorcerer, Section A), Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors, Wuthering Heights, Civil War et al)… and who else? Oh yes – Tony Niva, the vocal powerhouse from Lion’s Share’s seminal fourth album ”Entrance”. Lars Chriss, now a highly renowned producer with the likes of Overland, Chris Ousey, Radioactive, Seven and Lugnet on his resum?, has lent his producing, song-writing and guitar-playing skills to NIVA’s sixth outing, ”Atmospherical”. Don’t let the title fool you – NIVA has definitely moved away from the AOR-ish, comparative softness on previous works. – This is more of a melodic metal sound, Tony agrees. It rocks harder, it’s more riff-based and the keyboards are less prominent. Obviously. Besides Lars and Tony himself, former Lion’s Share luminaries Kay Backlund (keyboards) and monster bassist Andy Loos (also of Glory, Seven, Covered Call fame – to name but a few) have also lent their considerable skills to the creation of ”Atmospherical”. The album even includes a stellar remake of Lion’s Share 1988 debut single, ”I’m on a roll”. So the Lion’s Share reminiscence is very much intentional. And quite welcome. skinAmong the plethora of great songs on ”Atmospherical”, Tony’s personal favorites include the emotional ”The Mountain”, suggestive rock gem ”Forbidden Lover”, and most certainly the opening track ”Dressed to kill”. – That’s the one that started it all. When I told Lars I was making an album he said, ”you know, I’ve got this great track…”. A true, no frills rock anthem. We’re making a video for it, directed by Patric Ullaeus at rEVOLVER.se (Europe, Kamelot, Within Temptation, Amaranthe… you name it).
