A.C.T

A.C.T [SE] - Progressive Rock

Discography

01|1999|Today’s Report
760 (#3)
02|2001|Imaginary Friends
769 (#2)
03|2003|Last Epic
789 (#1)
04|2006|Silence
703 (#5)
05|2014|Circus Pandemonium
741 (#4)

Rock Report's choice

Last Epic

Atenzia, 2003
Produced by Pelle Saeter & A.C.T
Ratings: PA: 4.11 (221) | RYM: 3.78 (269)
Total rating: 789
Update: 141209

Line-up

Herman Saming (lv, bv)
Ola Andersson (g, lv, bv)
Jerry Sahlin (k, vo, lv, bv)
Peter Asp (b, p, bv)
Thomas Lejon (d)
+
Kajse-Lotta Soleke (vi)
Malin Wikblad (va)
Per Tidstrand (ce)
Sara Svensson (lv on tr. 12)
Stefan Pöntinen (vi)
Tomas Erlandsson (p)

Track listing

Songwriters

HS = Herman Saming
JS = Jerry Sahlin
OA = Ola Andersson
PA = Peter Asp

Rock Report review

A.C.T is – together with Harlan Cage, 101 South, Glen Burtnik and Mark Spiro - one of the MTM Music acts who accompanied Magnus Söderkvist to the new Atenzia Records, which excels in taking good care of packaging and marketing. That's why this new A.C.T album comes with a nice 16-page colour printed booklet, undoubtedly catching the eye of many an album buyer. “Last Epic” is the Swedes’ third album, after 1999’s “Today’s Report” and 2001’s “Imaginary Friends”, which were both released by MTM Music. Those who own or at least know those albums will already know what to expect from this brand new release, as A.C.T have made a name for themselves with their happy blend of melodic and progressive (or should that be symphonic?) rock influences and with the Robbiy Valentine like singing of Herman Saming. Again both trademarks can be found in abundance on this disc, which I think is a concept album, although I haven’t found any confirmation for this fact yet. What I do know, is that it’s again very well done, music wise as well as production wise. The album’s sound can compete with big ones in both genre. Professionalism and maturity are the keywords here, which is best proven on the tracks that stand out a bit from the rest of the album. I’m pointing at “Mr. Landlord” for instance, a catchy and frivolous song that stays in the head for days. Or perhaps you like it a little more serious and much heavier? Then the riffs of “Manipulator” must be your thing. Personally, I’d also add “The Effect”, which features a great guest appearance of female vocalist Sara Svensson. A.C.T have always dangled in between the genres that they offer and that won’t chance after this third release. But by fishing in two rivers, they’ll definitely find enough buyers for “Last Epic”, which is their most professional album to date. Fortunately, a little open-mindedness doesn’t hurt.
Stijn Lambert, February 2003