Metal Bulletin Zine: Nubian Rose

Publications have raved about the fun, memorable songs and the great singing of Nubian Rose, a melodic band from Sweden that has two albums so far: Mountain (2012) and Mental Revolution (2014). Find out a bit more about them below and watch some of their official videos. If you like traditional singing and rocking, then you'll see why people are loving this band.

This is what Hard Rock Haven has said about about Nubian Rose: "Swedish Melodic Hard Rockers Nubian Rose returned at the close of 2014 with their second album, titled Mental Revolution. It’s the follow-up to their 2012 debut Mountain, and once again features the vocal talents of powerhouse singer Sofia Lilja alongside guitar wizard Christer Akerlund.

It’s not exactly unusual to find a Melodic Hard Rock that features a female vocalist. What is unusual is to find one with a vocalist this powerful. Lilja brings real power and emotion to these songs, and follows the the footsteps of singers like Sandy Saraya and Ann Wilson. There’s nothing dainty about her vocal performance here. Of course it helps that she’s belting out songs that are written to have as much hard rocking punch as they have catchy melodies. Akerlund’s guitar hooks are razor sharp, and perfectly play off Lilja’s vocals. It’s very easy to imagine the songs on Mental Revolution being just as effective in the hands of bands like Hardcore Superstar or H.E.A.T, though that may be the mark producer Tobias Lindell, who mixed the album, left on it.

It’s not quite a Sleaze Rock record like what Hardcore Superstar or Crashdiet would do, but Nubian Rose is definitely worthy of inclusion alongside their fellow Swedish melodic hard rockers. They bring the hooks, the heavy rhythms and a very memorable vocal performance. For proof, sample the completely catchy, completely rocking “Break Out” or “Time Again.” Even a slower song like “You Will Never Walk Alone” carries a measure of power, like a good ballad should.

Mental Revolution is another rock-solid offering from a band that could become one of the best in the melodic rock scene. Fans of Swedish melodic rock definitely need to check out Nubian Rose, as should fans of powerful female-fronted rock bands like Saraya, Robin Beck, Annica and of course Heart."

OFFICIAL: Nubian Rose evolves around the magnetic charisma and majestic voice of Sofia Lilja, combined with the unique talent of guitarist Christer Åkerlund. In combination with powerful guitar riffs and great melodies, they put a new spirit in the classic melodic hard rock.

Nubian Rose was founded in 2011. Guitarist Christer Åkerlund knew he found a unique talent in Sofia Lilja when he first heard her sing. Her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence were something very special and meant for greatness. When they started to write music together they knew they were on to something big and they decided to make an album. After planning a self-financed, low-key release of their debut album, ‘Mountain‘, in 2012, they were shocked and excited by how the music spread like wildfire worldwide. Within weeks of the Swedish release, they were played on radio stations in the US, the UK, Italy, France and throughout Europe. Rock fans everywhere immediately recognised their hook-filled brand of Hard Rock with tunes such as; ‘Ever See Your Face‘, ‘Reckless‘, ‘Mountain‘ and the outstanding power ballad ‘How Am I‘. Soon they were featured in great rock magazines such as Classic Rock and the legendary Japanese publication, Burrn!. The reviews were excellent, Classic Rock Magazine (8/10), Powerplay (9/10), Rock Hard (8/10), Burrn! (83%); to name a few of the key publications.

Long before the European release of ‘Mountain‘, NUBIAN ROSE were also booked to play the main stage at the first Hard Rock Hell AOR festival in Rotherham 2013. This was the band’s first European show and their appearance was one of the festivals most talked about with Sofia Lilja sporting a Union Jack cat suit for part of the show to mark the event!

With some changes in the band line-up, Nubian Rose is now back with their sophomore album. It’s called Mental Revolution and is clearly a step forward. Christer Åkerlund has produced it and Swedish superproducer, Tobias Lindell(HEAT, Europe, Hardcore Superstar, Avatar, Mustasch), has once again done the mixing. The production is more edgy and bigger in every way; drums and guitars are dominating together with great melodies. Christer and Sofia’s cooperation as a songwriting duo has deepend and matured. It’s obvious that the roots of the Nubian Rose music is coming from the same place as before, but with Mental Revolution they have clearly been taking a big step forward.

NUBIAN ROSE - BREAK OUT (OFFICIAL VIDEO)