Album of the week: "Heartbreak Century" by Sunrise Avenue
06/10/2017
written by Michel Imhof
Mild heartbreak: Sunrise Avenue release their fifth album "Heartbreak Century". When heartbreak sounds like this, it's not so bad.
The band
The Finnish band's international career began ten years ago: Sunrise Avenue landed a big hit with "Fairytale Gone Bad". Their songs were used as theme songs for the Tour de France and Big Brother, they first filled clubs, then halls and even stadiums. Since 2013, frontman Samu Haber has been a regular member of the jury on "The Voice Of Germany", which helps explain Sunrise Avenue's excessive success in German-speaking countries.
The album
"Heartbreak Century" is the Finnish band's fifth album. It deals with the effects of current technology on the emotional world, hence the title. "We can choose between hundreds of jobs, partners, meals. Despite the fact that everything is at our fingertips, humanity still seems very unhappy," says Samu Haber in an interview about the choice of title. Musically, the album remains true to Sunrise Avenue's usual style: rocky pop with the clear voice of Samu Haber. What is new is that the songs have more of a folk music influence, especially in the instrumentation. Samu Haber: "We've always been a folk band, I've sung very much in a folk style before. For example on "Lifesaver". Cool: The deluxe version of the album includes eight remixes by German producers "Madizin".
The verdict
"Heartbreak Century" is a great pop-rock album with an Irish influence. Sunrise Avenue remain fundamentally true to their style, which is good in this case, and expand the folk influences in the music. For example, the song "Point Of No Return" comes across almost like a sea shanty. The theme of the album is contemporary, both in the lyrics and in the music. Although: if people are so unhappy and the heartache sounds like it does on the album, then it's only half as wild.
Recommended tracks
"Heartbreak Century" - The title track is perfect for singing along to.
"I Help You Hate Me" - The first single release is a fun break-up song.
"Flag" - An uplifting pop-rock song with a catchy chorus.
Sunrise Avenue Live
The Finnish band will be coming to the Hallenstadion Zurich on March 14, 2018 with their "Heartbreak Century Tour". An intimate club tour is scheduled beforehand this year, but the concert on November 20, 2017 at X-TRA Zurich is already sold out.
