I have to be honest here and say that prior to getting this my knowledge of Mr. Hot was absolutely zero. I also did something that was a bit unusual for me as Lion Music no longer send paper Press Releases. I listened to the CD before going to their website to find out biographical information. I’m glad that I did as the promotional picture of Emir Hot is terrible and would have definitely out me off. As it was I was able o enjoy his work with no prejudices whatsoever. 

It also has to be said that whoever is currently running Lion Music’s A&R Department really need to give themselves a pat on the back as this CD joins quite a long list of accomplished releases from the label over the past couple of years and in particular joins the excellent Mattson album in being one of 2008’s better early efforts. 

It almost goes without saying that former Royal Hunt front man John West and ubiquitous drummer Mike Terrana add class to any project that they lend their talents to but obviously Emir Hot himself, a Bosnian exiled in London, delivers the goods himself both with his guitar and writing talent. Whilst he wasn't responsible for writing Sevdah Metal Rhapsody however, a medley of traditional central and eastern Balkan songs which is so obviously the album’s centre piece and a truly astonishing achievement, the track clearly shows his ethnic background with some particularly groovy accordion and a short-ish drum solo from Terrana. 

It is the Balkan leanings that add a special twist to this record. It is definitely progressive in places yet retains the neo classical elements that the record label is known for but most of all there are some very fine songs. Perhaps the best original track is the ballad Stand and Fight which, back in the day, would have been released as single as it has what they used to call, “crossover potential.” It is indeed a shame that national radio here in the UK no longer plays rock music, let alone metal. 

If you take away the thirty second intro and the somewhat inconsequential instrumental Hora Martisorului, you are left with eight strong tracks and a new name to add to the list of contenders. Even the artwork for Sevdah Metal is of the highest order. Well done all round.

Let us know your views on Sevdah Metal

Track Listing

Forspil (Intro)
Devils in Disguise
World Set on Fire
Skies and Oceans
Sevdah Metal Rhapsody
Stand and Fight
Endless Pain
Hora Martisorului
Land of the Dark
You

Line Up

Emir Hot – Guitars/Bass
Mike Terrana – Drums
John West - Vocals