Album Review: Broken Dreams by TAR – A Swedish Rock Gem That Still Kicks Ass
Let’s talk about Broken Dreams, the 1997 album from Sweden’s own TAR. If you’re into rock with some serious attitude, this one’s gonna grab your attention. It’s not just straight-up rock though—TAR throws in proggy twists, power metal vibes, and even a dash of thrash to keep things interesting. Released under Heathendoom Music, it’s a wild ride that feels like a forgotten gem waiting for its moment.
The lineup? Solid as hell. You’ve got Torbjörn Sandberg on lead vocals, belting out lyrics like he’s got something to prove. Stefan Sjöberg and Juan Gauthier handle guitar duties, shredding riffs that’ll make your ears perk up. Östen Johansson lays down the basslines so thick they feel like a punch to the chest, while Perra Karlsson smashes the drums like there’s no tomorrow. Together, these guys create a sound that’s both tight and chaotic in all the right ways.
Now let’s dive into a couple tracks that really stuck with me. First off, obviously, “Broken Dreams.” How could you not remember the title track? The song kicks off with this crunchy riff that feels like it’s dragging you into a storm. Torbjörn’s voice has this raw edge to it—he sounds pissed but also kinda hopeful, which fits perfectly with the whole theme of shattered hopes and fighting back. There’s a killer solo midway through too; I’m talking face-melting stuff here. It’s the kind of track that makes you wanna crank the volume and annoy your neighbors.
Then there’s another standout (though I won’t spoil the name because discovering it yourself is half the fun). This one leans more into their prog rock side, with time signatures that zigzag all over the place. One minute you’re headbanging, the next you’re trying to figure out if what you’re hearing is genius or madness. Spoiler alert: it’s both. The interplay between the guitars and drums is insane—they’re clearly having a blast messing around with structure, and somehow it works.
What I love most about Broken Dreams is how unapologetically Swedish it feels. It doesn’t try too hard to fit into any specific box, instead blending genres like it’s second nature. Sure, it might not be as polished as some big-name albums from the ‘90s, but that rough-around-the-edges vibe is exactly why it stands out. It’s real, y’know?
If I had to nitpick, I’d say a few songs don’t quite hit the same highs as others, but honestly, who cares? When an album nails its best moments this hard, minor flaws barely matter.
Final thought: Listening to Broken Dreams feels like finding an old mixtape at a garage sale—you press play expecting nothing special, then BAM, it blows you away. And hey, isn’t that what great music’s all about? Oh, and fun fact: apparently, guitarist Juan Gauthier once said he wrote his parts while recovering from a broken arm. Rock ‘n roll spirit doesn’t get much grittier than that!
