Genesis

Genesis is the second album, tying technical rhythmic sense, bluesy guitar and soaring singing together naturally to show a refined hard rock image. The bankruptcy of the label that issued the debut, lineup changes and members' other projects delayed it badly, but it finally arrived in 1993. Young Fredrik Åkesson (later Opeth) joined on guitar, and the outline of a band — rather than what had effectively been Marcel Jacob's solo project — comes into focus here. Jacob remains the songwriting center. Bass and drums build detailed grooves without making the songs look difficult, and the guitar supports the vocal with riffs and phrases. The vocals bring not just high-register power but a soulful sway. The opener “Time After Time” and “All or Nothing” became long-running staples, and a cover of Bad Company's “Run with the Pack” closes the record. By not pushing each player's skill too far forward and prioritizing the unity of song and groove, it became a record with a smooth strength you can return to endlessly. Beyond the solos, savor how bass and drums breathe in fine detail beneath the vocal.