The Poodles – Clash of the Elements (2009)
On more than one occasion when writing reviews there have been times when I struggle to find the words to describe a particular album, even though I may love the album the words just don’t come to mind. Fortunately with the Poodles third release “Clash of the Elements” that is not the case, without beating around the bush “Clash of the Elements” is absolutely AMAZING!!! These Swedish rockers have released hands down the best album I have heard all year. I liked the band’s two previous releases “Metal Will Stand Tall” and “Sweet Trade” but Jakob Samuel – Vocals, Christian Lundqvist – Drums, Pontus Egberg – Bass and Henrik Bergqvist – Guitar have unleashed a monster of an album, this time around filled with great harmonies, great playing and anthems tailor made for the stadiums.
“Clash of the Elements” opens with the epic “Too Much of Everything” filled with strings, piano, and is very reminiscent of Queen in their heyday. It flows flawlessly into “Caroline” which is a hard driving foot stomping rocker with a sing along chorus perfect for summer. Henrik Bergqvist definitely makes his mark on his debut with the band replacing the departed Pontus Norgren with some tight outstanding playing. “No Tomorrow” is an anthem in every since of the word, catchy, foot stomping, daring you to try and resist from singing along with Samuel’s soaring vocals along with the rest of the band’s background vocals. “One Out of Ten” is a piano power ballad that picks up after the first verse, Samuel’s vocals again sound great on this song, and I love that fact that a metal band is not afraid to use piano and strings on their songs giving them a fuller sound. “I Rule The Night” is another anthem with a little heavier vibe than “No Tomorrow” but just as good nonetheless, “Give Me A Sign” is a melodic rocker with a great chrous and some nice keyboards, Bergqvist goes off on the solo for this song too, very impressive. “Sweet Enemy” is a slow, heavy rocker that pulls you in and will not let go. “Seven Days & Seven Nights” is a rocker through and through with a honky- tonk piano opening before it kicks in along with “No Tomorrow” one of the catchiest songs on “Clash of the Elements”. On “Pilot of the Storm” Jakob Samuel is channeling David Coverdale at his best. “Don’t Rescue Me” is another outstanding melodic rocker which should earn the band some airplay on rock radio. “Dream To Follow” is one more awesome anthem with a great chorus and absolutely smoking guitar by Bergqvist, ready made for the stadium.
With 14 tracks “Clash of the Elements” has something for every rock fan to enjoy. Any fan of Queen, Scorpions, Gotthard, and even Whitesnake SHOULD have this album in their collection. If there is a downside to “Clash of the Elements” it is the fact that this is an import because there is not an American A&R rep smart enough to sign the Poodles to an American record deal. But please do not let this stop you from buying “Clash of the Elements” you will be cheating yourself out of hearing the absolute best album of 2009.
You can check out the Poodles at www.myspace.com/thepoodles or www.poodles.se
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Too Much Of Everything
02. Caroline
03. No Tomorrow
04. One Out Of Ten
05. I Rule The Night
06. Give Me A Sign
07. Sweet Enemy
08. Seven Days & Seven Nights
09. Pilot Of The Storm
10. Cant Let You Go
11. Dont Rescue Me
12. Heart Of Gold
13. Dream To Follow
14. Wings Of Destiny
The Poodles are:
Jakob Samuel – Vocals
Christian Lundqvist – Drums
Pontus Egberg – Bass
Henrik Bergqvist – Guitar
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This album is realy great, the best album of 2009!
Another great review! This IS a phenomenal album! I love 7 Days & 7 Nights. At times, the singer sounds like Axl Rose on the Chinese Democracy album, but that ain’t a bad thing!
Great singing, playing and showmanship. Criminally underrated band.