LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM nine lives MICP-11030

A Winter Tradition: Last Autumn’s Dream’s ‘Nine Lives’ (MICP-11030)

Today’s entry spotlights the ninth studio album from the consistent Swedish melodic rock band, Last Autumn’s Dream. We are looking at the 2011 Japanese pressing of “Nine Lives,” released on the Avalon label (Marquee Inc.) with the catalog number MICP-11030. This particular copy comes complete with its original obi strip.

By 2011, a new release from this band had become a beloved “winter tradition” for melodic rock fans in Japan, arriving with clockwork regularity. “Nine Lives” features the solid lineup of vocalist Mikael Erlandsson, guitarist Andy Malecek (ex-Fair Warning), drummer Jamie Borger (Talisman), and bassist Nalle Pahlsson.

While the band is famous for their “crying” melodies and Nordic melancholy, fans noted that “Nine Lives” leans towards a slightly brighter, more positive, and edgier sound compared to their earlier, sorrow-drenched works. The production is polished, highlighting Erlandsson’s world-class vocals and Malecek’s tasteful, melodic guitar work, particularly on tracks like “Burning Heart” and “Hang On.”

The album is packed with highlights. It opens with the catchy “In A Perfect World” and includes notable collaborations, such as “The Last To Know,” which features a duet with Jeff Scott Soto, and “Angel Eyes,” which features guest female vocals. Some listeners also noted a tribute to the classic TNT sound on “Golden Cage.”

As is customary with Avalon releases, this Japanese edition offers exclusive value to collectors. It includes the beautiful ballad “Don’t Let Love Fade Away” as the 12th track, providing a poignant closer to the album. MICP-11030 is a reliable, high-quality release, showcasing a veteran band maintaining their standards of songwriting and performance.