Fasten Your Seatbelts – H.E.A.T. Blast Into 2025 with Welcome to the Future

Jace Media Music Album Review by Glen Parkes

Swedish hard rock juggernaut H.E.A.T. are back—and they’re not knocking politely. They’re tearing through the front door with Welcome to the Future, their scorching new studio album released April 25th via earMUSIC. If you were wondering whether this band still had the firepower to ignite the scene in 2025, rest assured: this is a full-blown sonic detonation.

Built around high-octane riffage, larger-than-life choruses, and the unmistakable, powerhouse vocals of Kenny Leckremo, Welcome to the Future doesn’t just continue the H.E.A.T. legacy—it catapults it into overdrive.

A-Side: Precision Meets Power

Opening track “Disaster” is anything but—this is an explosive mission statement. Driven by thundering drums and an ascending melody line, it immediately sets the tone: H.E.A.T. aren’t just back, they’re reborn. There’s urgency in Leckremo’s delivery, matched by razor-sharp guitars that ripple with arena-ready energy.

“Bad Time for Love” taps into classic hard rock angst with modern flair. Equal parts Def Leppard swagger and Scandinavian precision, the song is a slick, hook-heavy gem that demands a singalong before the first chorus ends.

“Running to You” keeps the pedal to the metal, balancing a relentless tempo with a soaring chorus that wouldn’t be out of place on a Journey or Bon Jovi record—only turbocharged for today’s rock crowd.

“Call My Name” dials things back just enough to show the band’s mastery of dynamic range. With emotive phrasing and atmospheric layers, it’s a moment of tenderness that proves H.E.A.T. isn’t just about volume—they’re about feeling.

Then comes “In Disguise”, an anthemic, slow-burner with a gritty groove and a bridge that punches straight through. It’s one of the album’s sleeper standouts, revealing depth beneath the band’s polished sheen.

Side A closes with “The End”—a dramatic, almost theatrical piece that blends thunderous drumming and cinematic synth textures. It sounds like the closing credits of a dystopian action film… only this is just the halfway mark.

“Rock Bottom” kicks off Side B with full-throttle confidence. It’s a thunderous stadium rocker that echoes classic Skid Row with just enough Swedish finesse to make it H.E.A.T.’s own.

“Children of the Storm” carries emotional weight—lyrically apocalyptic and musically grandiose, it’s an anthem for uncertain times. With its soaring chorus and defiant tone, it’s bound to become a live favourite.

The heartbreak anthem “Losing Game” follows, showcasing Leckremo’s vocal range and vulnerability. The pacing here is immaculate—a melancholic build that bursts into a fist-pumping chorus of defiance and despair.

“Paradise Lost” might be the most ambitious track on the album. This is pure cinematic hard rock—progressive in scope, nostalgic in tone, and utterly massive in production. It’s the kind of track that demands replay.

Then comes “Tear It Down (R.N.R.R.)”, a fierce declaration of rock and roll resistance. It’s loud, brash, and unapologetically old-school in its celebration of chaos. Think AC/DC meets Crazy Lixx, with a modern twist.

Finally, “We Will Not Forget” ends the album on a note of resilience. It’s both a tribute and a promise—a reminder that even in this high-speed world, hard rock isn’t going anywhere. It’s an emotional closer, and the perfect bookend to the band’s forward-looking statement.

H.E.A.T. – Welcome to the Future is a thrilling, fearless leap into a bold new era of melodic hard rock. The Swedish giants show no signs of slowing down—in fact, they’re accelerating with even more force. This album is slick, smart, and gloriously loud. In a genre constantly threatened by trends, H.E.A.T. make it clear: the future of rock is alive, loud, and louder than ever.

If you’re a fan of bands like Eclipse, The Poodles, or Crazy Lixx, or if you’re nostalgic for the days when hooks, harmonies, and horsepower ruled the airwaves—Welcome to the Future is exactly what your 2025 needs.

Tracklist:

1. Disaster
2. Bad Time for Love
3. Running to You
4. Call My Name
5. In Disguise
6. The End

7. Rock Bottom
8. Children of the Storm
9. Losing Game
10. Paradise Lost
11. Tear It Down (R.N.R.R.)
12. We Will Not Forget