Norwegian rock act Ashlads are new to our blog thanks to their concept album, Good Intentions Road.

By Graeme Smith

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” the old proverb goes. I suspect this is what Ashlads had in mind while penning their new concept album.

Good Intentions Road is hard, riff-laden rock that tells a gripping yarn. Politics, adventure, and personal glory is all on the docket in swaggering opener Honest Man which introduces us to our protagonist.

Over thirteen tracks, Honest Man’s life undergoes a slow collapse as he tries to fix the world and himself. The story is told against a varied backdrop of rock genres. We get moody blues in Breathing In Hell’s Best and Bad Bad News, and swinging country in The Way You Sway. Magnetic Thoughts gives us some gentle acoustic rock. There’s a Tom Waits-esque number entitled Don’t Give a Damn, and even a nod to Christmas in the soft and inviting You Are My Home.

Lyrically, the albums sometimes comes close to the bone while making some strong points about wealth and society. Ashlads are quick to point out that they’re not trying to start a revolution with their album; rather it encourages the listener to take a moment and question whether they are trying too hard. The key message is one of social solidarity rather than personal glory.

“[The album is] about what happens when good intentions aren’t enough,” says lead songwriter and vocalist Pål Øymoen. “You can’t build a better world by burning yourself out. This album is a warning—to fight smarter, not just harder.”

Good Intentions Road feels timely, and is a perfect listen for lovers of cerebral rock and roll. It’s out now and you can give it a listen below.