Arctic Rain: The One (Frontiers, 2020)

The Frontiers label has been on a tear in recent months when it comes to signing bright new stars in the melodic rock scene. Their latest is Swedish band Arctic Rain, who debuted this year with The One. Arctic Rain features keyboardist/songwriter Pete Alpenborg, who has contributed to recent releases by Revolution Saints, House Of Lords and Sunstorm, among others. He’s joined by vocalist Tobias Jonsson, guitarist Magnus Berglund, bassist Gert Daun and drummer Jonas Jonsson.

Arctic Rain is right in the Frontiers wheelhouse when it comes to their overall sound. This is straightforward melodic rock with the expected nods to Journey, Survivor, Giant and Talisman. Safe, sure, but brilliantly executed. The songwriting in general (and melodies in particular) on The One remind me of some of Frontiers’ best projects, like The Magnificent, Work Of Art and W.E.T. They’re super-catchy and stick with you later, and they’re hammered home by Jonsson’s strong vocal performance. The musicianship is top-notch as well, and it’s polished to perfection.

Arctic Rain walks that line between AOR and hard rock on The One. Songs like “Breakout” and “Take Me To Your Heart” have a classic Winger/White Lion vibe, while “The One” and “Night After Night” are pure Survivor. It’s all grade A melodic rock though, and makes for one of the strongest overall melodic rock albums of 2020. Fans of Survivor, Danger Danger, W.E.T, Winger, Pride Of Lions, House Of Lords and Work Of Art will not want to miss this one.