Dark Horse

Performer: Nickelback
Engineer: Olle Romo; Scott Cooke
Producer: Joey Moi; Nickelback; Robert John Lange
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Nickelback: Ryan Peake, Chad Kroeger (vocals, guitar); Daniel Adair (vocals, drums); Mike Kroeger (bass instrument, bass guitar). Audio Mixers: Chris Lord-Alge; Mike Shirley; Joe Moi; Randy Staub . Audio Remasterer: Ted Jensen. Nickleback's sixth album doesn't stake out new ground, but this Canadian post-grunge quartet is known for their allegiance to old-school hard rock values. That allegiance is borne out on 2008's DARK HORSE, a collection of riff-driven rockers and power ballads that thrives on simple chord progressions, distortion-heavy guitars, and lyrics about partying and other carnal delights. The singalong single "Gotta Be Somebody" may flirt with radio-ready pop, but most of DARK HORSE revels in denim-clad, bad boy swagger. It's hard to forget that Nickleback is a mainstream act, however, especially given the potent, high-gloss sound of the album, courtesy of veteran producer Robert "Mutt" Lang. Like Def Leppard, another Lang-produced band, Nickleback's rock is packaged prettily enough for soccer moms, a truth evident in accessible ballads like "I'd Come for You." But longtime fans needn't despair: the band still packs a punch (see the arena-sized rocker "Burn It To the Ground"), proving Nickleback can have it both ways.

Rolling Stone (p.127) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Lange keeps things rolling -- and to his credit, Chad Kroeger gratifyingly comes off as more of a regular guy than a rock star." Billboard (p.41) - "The bulletproof Nickelback provides affordable fun that promises good returns in hard times....With guitar solos, heavier chops and double-entendres." Mojo (Publisher) (p.104) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he still rock like a post-grunge Metalica....The best tracks here, such as the Leppard-style anthem 'Shakin' Hands,' bear Lange's indelible signature." Blender (Magazine) (p.78) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "The casting coup is producer Matt Lange, who runs with the tricks he used on Def Leppard and AC/DC in the '80s: lotsa echo on the drums, lotsa background voices chanting, 'Hey!'"

Though journalistic shorthand often finds Nickelback dubbed "the Canadian Creed," the band found success on its own terms right from the start with the 2000 debut album THE STATE. It may be true that the band's heavy guitars, pounding drums, and dramatic vocals are in line with the Creed approach, but like that band, Nickelback is equally indebted to the heavy metal and hard rock heroes of the '70s. As with many other 21st century heavy rockers, though, Nickelback fits catchy pop sensibilities into their sonic onslaught, ensuring as enthusiastic a reception from radio as they receive from their rabid fanbase.

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