A high-energy dose of Swedish Melodic Rock, complete with keys and twinkles and all the sparkles you could want.

Wigelius is a Swedish band, formed in 2011 by vocalist Anders Wigelius. The band's sophomore album, out 2016, is produced by Anders' brother, drummer Erik Wigelius. 'Tabula Rasa' means 'black slate' in Latin; the band say they chose the name because of the diversity on the album and to signify taking their sound a step further from debut album, 'Reinventions' (2012). However, I think this album has far too much colour for such a name.

'Do It All Again' breaks out the Melodic Rock consistent throughout the album. It's at the softer end of the AOR scale so may be a little Poppy at times for the harder-minded Rock fans. Vocally, it's great. The way Anders Wigelius rips into notes during 'Déjà vu' is reminiscent of ex-H.e.a.t vocalist Kenny Leckremo.

'These Tears I Cry' demonstrates the soaring, uplifting melodies Wigelius excel at writing. They're not a one-trick pony though. 'Long Way From Home' sees guitarist Jakob Svensson carving out a swaggering riff with a bit more edge, while the chorus is anthemic without being heavy, and Anders rounds it off with a long, guttural note. The solo is thick with keys and catchy guitar; a great track all round.

'Set Me Free' is acoustic-esque in tone, at first, before it breaks out with a rhythm itching to explode in another soaring chorus. I initially thought this album might lack some attitude, verging on boy-band puppy-love, but these guys can really play; they deliver Classic Melodic Rock with every track being catchy in some way and there are the occasional bursts of roughness and distortion which add a welcome bit of mud to the otherwise polished production.

'9 Out Of 10' is an emotionally-studded track beautifully woven together by Svensson's concise hooks and Erik Wigelius' beat that keeps the song moving without weighing it down. There aren't any dragged-out songs for this band either, with even the five-and-a half minute album opener gone in the bat of an eye.

Closing track 'My Cherie' is an interesting composition of sounds and short rhythms but its very unpredictability (and how it all works so well together) gives a unique quality to this ballad. It's simple but clear, and it just wouldn't be Wigelius without a key change bursting out and a fantastic closing note from Anders Wigelius.

'Tabula Rasa' is a high-energy dose of Swedish Melodic Rock, complete with keys and twinkles and all the sparkles you could want. It packs a punch both in terms of musical talent and listening enjoyment. Wigelius are a band confident in their sound, and so they should be because it sounds damn good.

Sophie Brownlee