Translated from the original French
The three little blond lads of the Swedish Christian hard scene strike another good blow with this four-track maxi: "Join Hands" was born of a project packed with friendship. Nothing surprising, then, in the fact that this song "Join Hands" should itself be packed with sincere friendship. The synths of Mats Tärnfors (a musician from outside the band) are omnipresent with CHARIZMA, and above all on "Join Hands": the musical theme of the song is well constructed, and resembles an anthem to Friendship exactly. Perfect for being taken up with the audience on stage. Very good chorus, very beautiful melody. In short, excellent for lovers of properly sugared pop metal. "Take You High" gives CHARIZMA the chance to have a whale of a time: rock that is far more aggressive, where vocals, guitars, drums, bass and heavy keyboards let themselves go to their heart's content!! It is CHARIZMA in its most aggressive light, without being heavy metal for all that. On side B, we are offered "Turn Me On", which appeared on their promo 45. A good hit, which vocally, unfortunately, no longer much reflects Bosse NIKOLAUSSON's level. Finally, they have warmed over for us the slow "Where Do You Stand" (from the album "Rock The World"), slightly modified... But all in all, side B brings nothing further to CHARIZMA's talent: CHARIZMA's new material is frankly superior to the old (even warmed over!!!). Be that as it may, "Join Hands" is a nice maxi, one to give as a present (why not? On top of that, it is not expensive at all!!!) to your mates who are in love with hard FM "made in Sweden".
Other coverage for this album
Heaven's Metal #23Reviewed by Doug Van PeltAlright! Here's a four-song EP pressed on clear vinyl that showcases two new tunes: the title track; and "Take You High". "Join Hands" was inspired from the concert Charizma played over in the Soviet Union's country of Estonia. Charizma's hometown of Oskarshamn in Sweden signed a friendship agreement with Parnu in Estonia, kind of like a sister-city pact. They played the song over there to a warm…Similar sounding releases
1988Mark FarnerJust Another Injustice
1989MastedonIt's A Jungle Out There
1986AvionWhite Noise
1989PetraPetra Means Rock
1995David MeeceOdyssey
1991LiaisonUrgencyMore from Charizma
1988Swedish Invasion
1985Rock the World
1996To Be Continued…
1993The Ultimate Call
1999The Basics of Life
1992Heaven Can't Wait
