With the 80’s being 35 years gone and the sounds of that time long passed in the rearview mirror, there is still a passion to reach back in time and relive those days. I remember those times and how the music made the memories even more prominent in my mind. When I think of the times I often wonder where all of that time has gone and will the memory of our generation carry on or will we one day be forgotten. My answer to that question is a resounding “NO” and that is confirmed by listening to one of the bands that continues to carry the torch. Keeping it alive and well are the boys from Sweden who absolutely nail the vibe and groove. The band that delivers it all is none other than Vypera. When I hear this band and what they do, the 80’s come right back and 35 years is today. The bands 2^nd full-length album “Race Of Time” is a full-on, 80’s jaunt of huge hooks, driving rhythms, massive vocals and melodies for days.

The opening track “Hey You” is a barn-burner that hits with the huge chorus and a hook that runs through your brain all day. It is the perfect opener and sets the table for an 80’s revival right before our eyes in 2023.

Track 2, “Riding On The Wind,” is a mainstream, mid-tempo rocker that just oozes as a nice slice of radio friendly rock; Excellent vibe with emotional vocal and guitar.

“Mary Jane” brings a crunching and heavy guitar intro delivered flawlessly across the frets by Cederick Forsberg. The twin guitar attack, which also features Christoffer Thelin, delivers the goods throughout the entire album and brings electricity for days.

Andreas Wallström delivers a standout performance vocally throughout this album, but no song stands out more than “Stormwind.” With tons of passion, power and just the right amount of throttle, a power ballad that would make its mark in any era.

The band opens up all 4-Barrels with “Vicious,” a massive, jaunt of melodic power rock that seers your skin like a hot, branding iron. The pace is fast, with the heavy distortion, but also injects some slower moments of de-celeration before opening it back up.

With so much to love here there is much that just begs for radio and “No Place For A Dreamer” dings the first round bell. Melody for days, an abundance of pure groove best describes this tune. This reminds of a classic Journey song on steroids and hopefully radio rears its head and takes notice.

There is more of the same with “Trying Hard Run Away,” with the catchy hook and powerful groove that runs to perfection.

“Fool’s Game” slides in with the picking intro reminiscent of the Dokken classic, “Standing In The Shadows.” Very melodic and powerful, inspiring with a solo that tears the paint off of the walls, these guys just have the knack for creating excellent hard rock songs.

Just as I get settled in, I am hit with a tsunami that is titled “Speedin’,” a full-bore onslaught of speed and power-driven rock. This song commands maximum volume while driving at high speeds “Don’t Try This At Home Kids,” but I can’t see this listened to any other way.

So many killer tracks on this album and “Daytona” is yet another. Just fine-tuned melodic hard rock, cool groove, massive melody and vibe just like cruising on a Saturday night.

If you are not on a high after listening to this album through 10 tracks then there is one more track to get you out of your seat and head banging. “Slave To Love” is a monster of a song with 3-second acceleration that rips the tarmac and turns it into hot lava; a perfect bow to put on this magnificent journey through time via awesome, melodic hard rock generated by one of the genres up and coming powerhouses.

With a more mainstream twist from their debut, this album checks all of the boxes and is a rock solid salute to the 80’s with just enough modern production to clear the air. It gets better with every listen just like this band does. Vypera is a mold brought straight from the 80’s with all intentions of bringing the glory back. “Race Of Time” commands windows down and volume to 11, brings the noise and delivers one fine piece of genuine hard rock. This is the real deal!!