Alien – ‘Alien’

(Pride & Joy Music Classixx)

There are albums that define a genre, albums that capture a moment in time, and then there are those rare records that somehow manage to do both while sounding just as exciting decades later as they did upon release. Alien’s self-titled debut, originally released in 1988, firmly belongs in that elite category. Now remastered and reissued, this legendary slice of Scandinavian AOR greatness returns sounding bigger, brighter, and more essential than ever.

For AOR fans, albums like this are the reason we fell in love with melodic rock in the first place. Every ingredient that makes the genre so special is present and accounted for: soaring vocals, huge harmonies, unforgettable hooks, polished musicianship, emotional melodies, and choruses that refuse to leave your head long after the album has finished. It is the complete package.

Back in the late eighties, melodic rock was enjoying a golden age, with bands from both sides of the Atlantic producing some of the finest music the genre has ever known. Yet even among such strong competition, Alien managed to create something truly special. Their debut wasn't merely another quality AOR release, it was a statement of intent, showcasing a band capable of combining commercial appeal with genuine songwriting class.

Listening to this remastered edition serves as a reminder of just how effortlessly Alien blended melody and power. The production remains wonderfully polished, yet never sterile. Tony Borg’s guitars are crisp and melodic, Jimmy Wandroph’s keyboards add colour and atmosphere throughout, and the rhythm section, Ken Sandin (Bass) and Toby Tarrach (Drums) provide a rock-solid foundation that allows every song to shine. Most importantly, Jim Jidhed’s vocals are absolutely magnificent, delivering every lyric with conviction, emotion, and undeniable charisma.

What separates Alien from many of its contemporaries is its remarkable consistency. There simply isn't a weak moment to be found. From the opening notes to the closing fade-out, the album maintains an incredibly high standard that few melodic rock releases can match. Every song feels carefully crafted, every arrangement perfectly judged, and every melody designed to maximise emotional impact.

‘Brave New Love’ opens the album in spectacular fashion, delivering everything an AOR fan could ask for. Huge melodies, soaring vocals, and a massive chorus immediately announce that this is something special.

‘Tears Don't Put Out The Fire’ keeps the momentum flowing with another infectious slice of melodic rock. Packed with emotion and wrapped in a polished production, it's pure late eighties AOR gold.

‘Go Easy’ brings a slightly more laid-back groove while maintaining the album's trademark melodic excellence. Jidhed’s vocal performance is particularly strong, elevating an already excellent song.

‘I've Been Waiting’ showcases Alien's ability to blend heartfelt emotion with commercial appeal. The melodies are irresistible and the chorus lingers long after the song ends.

‘Jamie Remember’ is one of the album's most memorable moments, combining strong storytelling with a beautifully crafted arrangement. The band's songwriting class shines throughout.

‘Feel My Love’ delivers another dose of pure melodic perfection. The balance between power and sensitivity is expertly handled, resulting in one of the album's most engaging performances.

‘Only One Woman’ sees the band tackle a classic song and make it their own. Rather than simply copying the original, Alien inject it with their signature AOR sound and style.

‘Wings Of Fire’ raises the energy levels once again with driving instrumentation and a soaring chorus. It's the kind of anthem that defines everything great about melodic rock.

‘Dying By The Golden Rule’ offers a slightly more mature and reflective side of the band. The strong lyrical themes are matched by an equally impressive musical performance.

‘Touch My Fire’ is classic Alien, hook-filled, melodic, and impossible to resist. Every element comes together perfectly to create another standout track.

‘Dreamer’ provides one of the album's most atmospheric moments. Rich melodies and a heartfelt vocal combine to create a genuinely moving listening experience.

‘Mirror’ closes the album on a high note, bringing together all the qualities that make this record such an enduring classic. Powerful, melodic, and memorable, it serves as the perfect finale.

The songwriting throughout is nothing short of exceptional. Alien understood exactly what made AOR work at its best. They knew how to balance memorable hooks with genuine substance, creating songs that were instantly accessible while retaining enough depth to reward repeated listens. Decades later, these songs still sound fresh, vibrant, and utterly timeless.

One of the album's greatest strengths is its emotional range. It can be uplifting, heartfelt, powerful, and reflective, often within the space of a few minutes. The band never relies solely on volume or bombast to make an impression. Instead, they allow the melodies and performances to do the heavy lifting, resulting in music that connects on a far deeper level than many of the era's more superficial releases.

The remastering job deserves considerable praise as well. Far too often, classic albums are reissued with little care or attention, but that certainly isn't the case here. The sound has been enhanced without sacrificing the warmth and character that made the original release so beloved. Everything feels clearer and more dynamic, allowing listeners to appreciate the quality of the musicianship and production in greater detail than ever before.

For longtime fans, this reissue is a welcome opportunity to rediscover a cherished favourite in its best possible form. For newcomers, it serves as the perfect introduction to one of the crown jewels of melodic rock history. If you've somehow managed to miss this album over the years, there has never been a better time to experience it.

The influence of Alien can still be heard throughout the melodic rock and AOR scenes today. Countless bands have attempted to recreate the magic found on this record, yet very few have come close. There is an authenticity and sincerity running through these songs that cannot be manufactured. It is the sound of a band operating at the absolute peak of its creative powers.

What makes the album even more impressive is how effortlessly it has stood the test of time. Many records from the late eighties are now viewed largely through the lens of nostalgia, but Alien transcends that. These songs remain genuinely great, regardless of era or genre. The album isn't simply remembered because people grew up with it; it's remembered because the quality is undeniable.

Simply put, this is an AOR masterpiece. It ranks alongside the very finest albums the genre has ever produced and remains one of the most satisfying listens melodic rock has to offer. Every element comes together perfectly, creating a record that captures the very essence of what AOR should be.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer exploring the genre's rich history, this remastered and reissued edition deserves a place in your collection. Albums this good don't come around very often, and when they do, they deserve to be celebrated.

If you're an AOR fan and don't already own Alien, I highly recommend changing that immediately. This is not just a classic album; it is one of the greatest AOR albums of all time. An absolute essential, a timeless collection of anthems, and a shining example of melodic rock perfection.

10/10

Essential Track – 'Go Easy'

Review by Woody