In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary Heavy Rock, Swedish visionaries Year Of The Goat return with their most compelling statement yet. “Trivia Goddess,” released via the prestigious Napalm Records, finds the band fully formed in a distinctive sonic identity, weaving occult themes into expertly crafted compositions that honour tradition while pushing creative boundaries. The album opens with “The Power Of Eve,” where Atmospheric keyboard textures entwine with intricate guitar figures in a crescendo that culminates in granite-solid Heavy Rock. The rhythm section propels the track with commanding bass lines, and well-judged tempo shifts act as structural pillars, allowing motifs to unfold organically. Thomas Sabbathi’s intense, expressive delivery — backed by dynamic choral arrangements — establishes an engaging interplay between vocal passages and instrumental stretches. The guitar work is notably refined, transplanting vintage sonorities into a contemporary, unmistakably personal context. Granite-hewn riffs and organ-soaked atmospheres herald the title track “Trivia Goddess,” a composition steeped in epic grandeur. The sonic landscape, anchored by organ textures that meld seamlessly with heavyweight guitar, features Sabbathi’s incisive lead lines supported by a rhythm section as solid as bedrock. Tempo variations and razor-sharp solo interventions reimagine classic Hard Rock tropes without ever sounding derivative. The track closes with a ritualistic Dark-Folk coda that prepares the listener for a spectacular finale — a title piece that should translate magnificently live. “Kiss Of A Serpent” erupts with harsh riffs and pure Hard Rock swagger, stamped with the band’s unmistakable imprint. Darker timbres integrate naturally into the song’s palette, with electrifying guitar flourishes, monolithic riffing, and penetrating vocals augmented by dense backing keys. The composition conveys the sensation of being slowly enveloped — an effect amplified by a masterful solo and a second half that builds into a grand, choral-led climax featuring finely honed vocal harmonies. The album’s longest track, “Mét Agwe” (eight minutes), opens on haunting guitar and bass arpeggios beneath powerful drumming. Blues-tinged elements sit comfortably within a doomy atmosphere, while the guitar’s intense solo textures and warm, expressive vocals heighten the emotional core. Keyboards weave through the arrangement, and choral passages alternate with crushing Heavy outbursts that lift the piece to another level. The second half’s tempo shifts allow the band to explore multiple sonic facets — electrifying keys and guitar, a granite rhythm foundation, and fervent vocal passages — making this composition one of the record’s true jewels that rewards repeated listens. By contrast, “The Queen Of Zemargad” is a concentrated, three-minute burst of retro-tinted Rock’n’Roll energy. Dynamic and hook-driven, it pairs male/female vocal duets with driving, accelerated drumming and enveloping melodies, showcasing the band’s versatility while retaining their signature heaviness. “Alucarda,” previously issued as a single, represents the band at their most melodic yet potent. Ideal for radio or playlist placement, the track balances classic Hard Rock foundations with the group’s personal stamp: tight guitar-keyboard interplay, dynamic vocals, and an anthemic chorus that combines accessibility with artistic weight. “King Of Damnation” navigates heavier, darker terrain with granite riffs, a monolithic rhythm section, and expansive choral voices. The piece thrives on confident tempo changes and the band’s ability to fuse classic and modern Hard Rock influences with their own artistic vision. Vocals range from aggressive to warmly melodic, displaying notable range and expressiveness; instrumental passages allow the central motif to evolve into an intense, compelling statement. “Crescent Moon” opens on melodic Hard Rock sensibilities before moving through an instrumental section that foregrounds guitar mastery, returning to melody for a satisfying vocal close. The track’s arc demonstrates the band’s sophisticated command of structure and dynamic pacing. The album closes with “Witch Of The Woods,” which marries vintage Heavy Rock elements with subtle Progressive flourishes. Strategic tempo shifts and layered choral parts — interweaving male and female lines — produce epic atmospheres that remain taut and engaging to the end, concluding with haunting vocal passages that leave a lingering mood. “Trivia Goddess” is a significant achievement for Year Of The Goat: a varied, consistently engaging record that balances Classic and modern Heavy Rock while applying a singular artistic vision across every track. The album contains genuine gems — from ritualistic dark-folk passages to full-blooded Hard Rock anthems — unified by strong songwriting, commanding performances, and striking production. Vocals are an unmistakable asset throughout, and instrumental work repeatedly elevates the material. Highly recommended for listeners of Heavy Rock with Occult influences and anyone who appreciates songs that combine respect for the past with a bold and personal interpretation.
Tracklist
01. The Power Of Eve (06:48)
02. Trivia Goddess (04:28)
03. Kiss of a Serpent (05:40)
04. Mét Agwe (08:00)
05. The Queen of Zemargad (03:08)
06. Alucarda (05:11)
07. King of Damnation (06:50)
08. Crescent Moon (04:22)
09. Witch of the Woods (07:22)
Lineup
Thomas Sabbathi / Vocals & Guitars
Mikael “Pope” Popovic / Vocals, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar
Jonas Waldhuber Mattsson / Guitars & Backing Vocals
David Olofsson / Guitars
Daniel Melo Ortega / Drums
Marko Kardum / Bass
Elin Gårdfalk / Backing Vocals
Read our Exclusive Interview with Year Of The Goat here: [Interview] Exclusive interview with Swedish Rock visionaries Year of the Goat