Review by Lydia Evans for MPM
Swedish rockers Nestor are set to release their latest album, Teenage Rebel, on 31st May 2024.
The band was originally formed in 1989 only to disappear for over three decades. Nestor released their debut album Kids In A Ghost Town in 2021, and will return with Teenage Rebel.
Nestor has gained prominence for their timeless sound and stadium anthems. They have shared the stage with Alice Cooper, Def Leppard, Europe, and even supported KISS in Stockholm for their stadium tour in 2022. Nestor is a band to keep your eye on and Teenage Rebel delivers solid rock and roll.
The album opens with a monologue spoken by Danish voice actress Freya Miller. It sets the tone and perfectly blends into the following track, We Come Alive. We Come Alive is a very anthemic classic rock song. All of the moving parts blend perfectly together and it’s a dramatic start to the album.
Title track Teenage Rebel has a retro vibe with the keyboards against the guitar riff. It’s a strong choice for a title track as it captures the album’s vibe well. Guitarist Jonny Wemmenstedt shows off his shredding skills in a captivating guitar solo.
Last To Know sounds straight out of the 1980s. It’s very nostalgic and is one of my personal favourites from the album. With the lyrics “two broken hearted fools in love / since ‘89” it subtly references the band’s beginning.
It’s a great love song. In Victorious, I can hear the influence of bands like Foreigner and Journey. It’s an inspiring stadium anthem.
Caroline is a classic rock song: very catchy with touching lyrics and dynamic instrumentals. Vocalist Tobias Gustavsson shows off his range and powerful voice.
The One That Got Away is definitely the stand out track on the album for me – it’s a very vulnerable, emotional ballad with lyrics of “If only I could turn back time / there’s nothing I wouldn’t pay / For only only one more day / with the one that got away”.
The bassline shines. Teenage Rebel has a strong mix of catchy, youthful anthems as well as emotion
filled ballads. I believe this mix really captures the essence of the 80s rock sound.
The One That Got Away will definitely go on my Spotify playlists. Addicted To Your Love and 21 take us back to the catchy, hyped up songs.
The strong rhythm section really keeps the music polished thanks to drummer Mattias Carlsson and
bassist Marcus Åblad.
Unchain My Heart has high-powered guitars against booming drums. The softer verses show off Tobias’ voice while the choruses explode into heavy rock and chanting vocals.
Daughter is the final track of the album and a solid choice to end the album with. With ambient keyboards, impressive guitars, and touching lyrics about a father and daughter, it’s a passionate track. It still has a retro inspired sound, but with lyrics of “with her cell phone in her hand / she smiles and waves goodbye” we are reminded we are listening to a modern rock album.
Teenage Rebel is an album I immensely enjoyed listening to. Nestor will be performing
Teenage Rebel tracklisting:
01 The Law Of Jante (featuring Freya Miller)
02 We Come Alive
03 Teenage Rebel
04 Last To Know
05 Victorious
06 Caroline
07 The One That Got Away
08 Addicted To Your Love
09 21
10 Unchain My Heart
11 Daughter
NESTOR are:
Jonny Wemmenstedt – guitar
Mattias Carlsson – drums
Tobias Gustavsson – vocals
Marcus Åblad – bass
Martin Frejinger – keyboards
NESTOR online:
