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ROCK AND A HARD PLACE wrote: (http://www.rocknhardplace.com)
AOR music has suffered a long dry spell, there hasn't been anything that has brokeinto
the music world since the 80's. It seems so many fans of the 80's rock went over to Country and their new "rock" approach. Nobody moved ahead to take over for Journey, Kansas, and Boston. The major labels didn't want to pay for such perfection, rather spending millions of dollars to make sure Punk and Grunge became the mainstay. This way, they could literally record complete projects in a day or two, saving millions of dollars on studio time. Business-wise it makes sense, but it has done nothing to move us forward musically.
That's where House Of Shakira comes in (finally eh?). This Swedish Quintet has kept
harmony, melody, and powerful emotion alive. That's how you feel when listening to
either of their projects. "Lint" was recorded in 96-97, and those who have heard in agree it was the best Hard Rock/AOR project of the year. I'll go a step further and put it in The TOP 20 all-time. Yes, it's that good. I'm judging this on musicianship, originality, production and song-writing.
The musicianship is absolutely brilliant, there is no doubt they are talented as hell.
Considering head-songwriter and lead singer Mikael Erikson was not allowed by their
label to sing on the album only weeks before production, it's truly amazing how it came out. Andreas Eklund came in and pulled off a miracle. With songs that were written by Erikson, and sung by Eklund, it came out spectacular. Erikson even admits he couldn't have done better himself.
Originality is important in AOR because let's face it, this format has been done before. Erikson was heavily influenced by the time he spent in Africa as the son of missionary's. Songs like "Morning Over Morocco" and "Elephant Gun" are good examples of his "African influence". He's shied away the cliches subjects that can get old in a hurry like your generic ballad about "I love you, you left me, can't wait to see you again" kind of stuff. If anything else, this CD proved to me that there is definitely room for a new generation of AOR music.
The production is amazing. No, it doesn't have the magical sound of Boston's self titled debut, but really, nothing does! It's a warm sounding clean production. The songs themselves are a bit progressive at times, and they use some unique melodies that keep you listening. "Lint" is truly a one of a kind break-through project.
Then comes along the ever-important sophomore release, "On The Verge". Without a
doubt, they succeeded where so many bands fail... they've improved in almost every
category. While it lacks a bit of the "originality" of "Lint", it makes up for it in other
ways. I challenge anyone to listen to this CD and NOT have 3 or 4 songs stuck in their
head all day. It's truly addicting. Their tight vocals and brilliant song-writing have
proven to me they are the future of AOR. At time it rocks, they aren't afraid to pour it
one. Eklund's super-clean voice and incredible range make it very easy to listen to.
Once again the variety is great on this CD, as it was on "Lint". "Best Of Times" is a
super feelgood song, such as "Method Of Madness" was on their first effort. There's
more strait-forward tunes on this project. "Four Reasons", "The Chance", and "Ghost
In Town" are good jamming tunes with a killer chorus. When they peak out on their
vocal explosion it will give you goosebumps. Maybe one of the most impressive displays of their talent is the live version of Journey's "Separate Ways", most bands would never attempt it, they pull it off with flying colors.
I really don't think there's anything anyone can complain about with House Of Shakira.
They're one of those bands that's hard to dislike, no matter what music you're into. The guys aren't into image or showing off, they know how to do one thing, pump out incredible music. At the time of this review, they're writing for their next project, and no one is happier than I am. They've been plagued with bad luck, not only is this the third release, it's the third label. Whoever picks them up this time is truly picking up a gem.

Strike Magazine wrote: (http://www.strikemag.com)
Quintet from Sweden, that, despite the name, nothing has seemed with that latin singer. To my hands had arrived two works of this band, their debut " Lint " and this second work " On The Verge ", and each day that passes I am more fan of this band andsee as the European market has offering excellent bands, who possess a great care in all the aspects of production and quality. To classify a band is the same that to limit borders, but there are bands that limit your own work and nothing of different they are capable to present. House is composite for great musicians and has in the vocal, Andreas Eklund, is the main prominence, because he has an excellent voice and great interpretation. We can notice that " feeling " that he has is not for any one. Mats Hallstensson and Anders Lundströn, both responsible for the six strings also show an excellent work of quality and good taste, therefore all their harmonies and timbres are clear and uvery well done. Less capable it is not the " kitchen ", formed by Per Schelander (bass) and Tony Andersson (drums). When the band is really good, you start to perceive details that make the difference, and backings vocals makes the difference here. And that difference... And sure to their favor. As I already said, everything is very well taken care and all the details, seems, had been verified and are perfect. Musics are very good; however, some deserve an exception: " Yesterday's Gone " has a sound of forest in the deep one, with crickets and all more, and a acoustic guitar very well executedl. And, if you stop and to perceive the details as the bass solos, you will be more impressioned and you will be felt around of a bonfire. By the way, this is the quality of House: you seem to be carried by them and this makes with you like much more their music. Another one that comes in the almost string acoustics is " Best Of Times ", that it is graspy and great; " Four Reasons " is more Hard, with very cool backings, has a vocal more torn; but, with certainty, the point highest is "Mbaloumouna ", that is amused and glad, and in the truth it seems African music, and already comes followed of " The Possibility ", a masterpiece, with melodic riffs and much harmony. Excellent work. It's worth to confer. Without counting that the last track to live. And, for surprise, it is cover of Journey, " Separate Ways", that is executed with great maestria. (AG)

Craig Matusinski editor of NEVERLAND magazine (USA) wrote:
House Of Shakira's debut album was one of the top two or three releases of 1997. A fantastic, almost perfect, release. The band brought a fresh and unique approach to melodic rock, with their amazing harmonies and keen sense of melody, coupled with incredibly inventive, smart, often hilarious lyrics, and wide influences from different forms of music from around the world. The band added traditional African melodies, and even some chants, along with some truly great progressions and changes within their songs. Lint was a melodic rock masterpiece that redefined  the boundaries of the genre. Now with their second album, On The Verge, the band continues to push the boundaries of what melodic rock is, with it's inventive instrumentation and song writing. This album is really a perfect follow-up to the debut, continuing in the same direction, with even more uniquely and brilliantly structured songs, well-composed, thought-provoking, and again, often funny, lyrics, and more odd musical influences that serve to add even more to an already spectacular album. The album kicks off with the chugging guitar rocker "The Song Remains". Right away, it's apparent the band is still in tip-top form as the huge chorus kicks in, filled with the stellar harmonies that have become the band's trademark. Next up is the mid-tempo rocker "Best Of Times", which sports another infectious chorus and some beautiful acoustic guitar thrown in. "Time Bomb" is a funky, fun, rolling rocker, with some great lyrics. In the tradition of "No. 8", from Lint, "Yesterday's Gone" is a breath-taking, soaring ballad, with some more excellent acoustic guitar added. "Yesterday's Gone" gives way to another rocker, this time the fast paced "Four Reasons", which is all over the place musically, keeping you on your toes with a great arrangement. Next we have a short little interlude, in the form of a traditional African chant, "Mbaloumouna", which fits in on the album perfectly, and is actually a blast to listen to, a testament to the talent and brilliance of this band. There really is not a bad track on this album, no filler, just track after track of fantastic, fresh, revolutionary melodic rock, with absolutely perfect harmonies, and vocal perfection, courtesy of lead singer Andreas Eklund. The final two tracks I want to mention are "The Chance" and "Separate Ways". "The Chance" is my favorite track on this album. The song absolutely soars. The lyrics are inspirational, and the song takes of like crazy from the opening notes...the song is arranged beautifully, an adrenalized rocker, with the perfect blend of acoustic guitar, mixed in with the electric. This song has the best chorus on the album, which says a lot, because every song has an excellent one. The hook grabs you and pulls you right in and the harmonies by all members of the band will give you chills. Finally, the last track on the album, oddly, is a live song, an awesome cover of Journey's "Separate Ways", on which Eklund shows off his amazing vocals. Steve Perry has nothing on this guy! Simply put, you need this album. One of the top two or three albums of the year, yet again, if not the single best. These guys are taking melodic rock into the next century.
RATING: 98%

The AOR HARD ROCK SPOT wrote:
House Of Shakira provided one of the best and most promising debut album's in many years with their album 'Lint'. It's been a couple of years down the road and finally we have the new album 'On The Verge'. The guys have formed their own distinct sound and with heavy influences from Journey, Styx and a little Night Ranger created a great first album. Now the guys have had a chance to develop a little and grow and 'On The Verge' is the result. Well I am happy to report it is good news all round. This is a great album. The guys have certainly developed and there is less of the obvious Journey influence on this record. In fact the guys are probably closer to a Tommy Shaw lead Styx than anyone else. The songs on 'On The Verge' take a few listens to get to know and to hear all the hooks and layers of instruments. Much more so than the fairly instantly likable Lint. This is because the guys have more obviously matured into their own sound and style to the point where now the influences play the back seat role. The playing is tighter, heavier and groovier, the song writing is even better and there is no point on this album where the album fails to keep the listener totally involved. But fans of the first album need not panic! There is still a strong mix of the best of Night Ranger, Styx and Journey to enjoy, just less obvious than before. The opening track The Song Remains is tough and heavy but still features those unmistakable backing vocals and again features a less than conventional intro. Nice to hear an Australian Diggeridoo in there. Best Of Times reminds me of Styx. This is an acoustic driven mid tempo rocker with a big big House Of Shakira chorus. Grows more with every listen. Time Bomb is a funky sort of number. Heavy bass and guitars and a rapping vocal. another big chorus. Good but not a favorite. Ghost In Town on the other hand is. This is a tough rocker with moody vocals and a chorus that isn't as big as some others, but is none the less effective. Yesterday's Gone is different! Starting as a solo acoustic track complete with camping sound effects and that 'outdoorsy' feel, it builds into a full band mid tempo ballad. Some good vocals. Four Reasons is another half funky tune with the big guitars returning. An AOR chorus that comes from nowhere and stays lodged in your brain for days. Mbaloumouna is great! A minute and a bit trop fest that momentarily transports the listener to an Hawaiian island. Should have been longer, but I guess it doesn't really fit in here! The Chance starts slowish and builds to an anthem chorus and plenty of big soaring vocals. One of the best tracks. Lots of acoustic guitars. Free Your Mind is a harder edge track with a tougher vocal and a heavy chorus. After The Fall is a big acoustic ballad that ends with an orchestra arrangement. Good ballad. Warp heads back into that murkier heavier side of the band. A modern track that switches from electric to acoustic. The chorus switches again to a mix of both. Big melodic moodiness! Enemy is again heavy and more modern and takes a few listens to like as much as the rest of the album. But you will. And as an added bonus there is alive version of the Journey classic Separate Ways. Not much I can say about this. Classic! A great listen and along with Change Of Heart and Goo Goo Dolls, it has been a very good month for me. This should pick up a legion of new fans and will hopefully strengthen their reputation as one of the 90's best melodic rock bands.  Great effort.
PRODUCTION: 95% SONGS: 91% VIBE: 92% ATTITUDE: 93%

PRODUCTION: 95% SONGS: 91% VIBE: 92% ATTITUDE: 93%

Roger Brosel editor of AOR Land (Spain) wrote:
"Lint", the critically acclaimed debut album of this Swedish band wasn't exactly easy listening AOR, "On the Verge" isn't either. In fact with this second record this five-piece keeps on building his own particular AOR style combining it with exotic touches. As a result of that you can't expect instant songs but after a couple or three listens you get completely grabbed. "The Song Remains the Same" is a great start with powerful guitars and fine chorus. "Best of Times" could have been included in the debut album and "Ghost in Town" has a great guitar melody and some Snakes in Paradise hints. The fifth track "Yesterday's Gone" is probably the best song House of Shakira has ever recorded, starting in a campfire setting and an acoustic guitar the tune turns into a monster song when the full band comes up. Amazing and quite original as well. "Mbaloumouna" is a reference to African traditional music. If you haven't had enough with the band own compositions this album even features a cover in the form of "Separate Ways" from Journey that the band plays live and being very faithful to the original. Although this is a 13 tracks affair the CD doesn't contain a single track that we could consider a filler. House of Shakira brought since their debut some fresh air into the world of AOR. "On the Verge" is the confirmation of a great act that has built a very personal sound. A killer album with fantastic tunes.

Dave Crocket at Destiny Records (England) wrote:
Last year's debut album "Lint" was probably my favorite melodic rock album of '97, a thoroughly enjoyable set packed with passion and melody. With their follow-up, the band have started to stretch their wings a little, and as a consequence the material is more mature, and perhaps a little less immediate. Don't be folled though, as once "On the verge" sinks it's hooks into you, it has a much, if not more to offer than it's predecessor. A great set of well crafted melodic rockers which includes a cover of that timeless Journey classic "Separate Ways".
Email: destiny.records@virgin.net

Tombstone wrote:
House Of Shakira are a five man band from Sweden and this is their second album so far. Sweden might be a frozen country since it is located on the Northern Europe but these five guys are here to warm us with their music. Now how shall I describe it? It is rock, is it hard rock, is it AOR or progressive? It’s everything brilliantly mixed in an excellent album. A melodic album but also powerful enough. The very good production is helping the band to express their emotions and create the atmosphere they want through the songs. These five guys have too much talent and they do whatever they can to prove it. Highly recommended for your more peaceful and relaxing moments.
November 1998 - 8/10

Nightranger wrote:
Here are my picks for the best (and worst) in melodic rock, in 1998.
3.) House Of Shakira - ON THE VERGE (blueStone Music):
The world's most original AOR band is back with a killer sophmore effort, that is equally as diverse, equally as melodic, and equally as pleasing as their amazing debut. The band continues in it efforts to bring influences from all over the world and mold them into a tapestry of guitar driven, melodic heaven, which feature some of the best background vocals you will ever hear. The band's keen sense of melody and unrivaled musicianship makes each song into a twisting, turning carnival ride of AOR brilliance. The band can still pull off the biggest of the big soaring power ballads, and the most unusual, ripping rockers, with ease. And, as an added bonus, we're treated to a homage to the godfathers of AOR, a live cover of the band's tribute to Journey, "Separate Ways". Once again, House Of Shakira has showed that the typical AOR clichés need not be present to thrill fans, and inject a hard melodic edge to the music.

Martin Popoff at HardRadio wrote:
House Of Shakira - Lint (blueStone/Pulse '97)
House Of Shakira - On The Verge (blueStone '98)
Two records for all intents and purposes coming out at once (long story). With respect to the debut, after the first obvious interview question (Why Lint?!), next might be how come these guys sound so much like Tyketto right down to the Danny Vaughn vocals (Danny now incidentally a labelmate with his band Flesh & Blood). Strange and moderately wonderful Americana to these guys, even though they are Swedes. House Of Shakira have soaked up their influences well, and there is a sense of authority here, like these young foreigners are really well-traveled LA rock rats who love to dress above their station. Feels under-produced, but I think it's just a vague, possibly unwarranted impression more towards under-arrangement. Come record II, there's a hint of that old hair band thing the American bands went through post-grunge, that metamorphosis to something both darker and dirtier. Maybe I'm just imagining it, but the mix is a little looser, especially the drums, and life questions seem to loom Larger. Plus there’s more acoustic stuff, more arranging, and a bit of experimentation (African music, bloody 'ell?). Chalk it up to maturity of an already confident band, although whether you can really care might have more to do with your post-ironic acceptance of the next wavey wave of hair.
Rating 7.5, 7.5

Open Up And Say Magazine wrote:
House Of Shakira returns with their follow–up to "Lint." The style is exactly the same: well crafted, well performed, melodic AOR reminiscent of past greats like Journey and Styx. In fact, the final track on this disc is a live, note for note version of one of Journey's best tracks, "Separate Ways." The quality of the songs is almost as good as on "Lint," but not quite as good. The majority of the songs here are equally good, but this disc would have been better without the mediocre "After The Fall" and "Enemy." Some of the better tracks on this disc are "The Song Remains," "Best Of Times," "Yesterday's Gone," and "The Chance." Despite a couple of average tracks, House Of Shakira has followed up their debut with a disc of very high quality melodic rock.
by David White, Senior staff writer

Andrew at www.melodicrock.com wrote:
House Of Shakira provided one of the best and most promising debut album's in many years with their album 'Lint'. It's been a couple of years down the road and finally we have the new album 'On The Verge'. The guys have formed their own distinct sound and with heavy influences from Journey, Styx and a little Night Ranger created a great first album. Now the guys have had a chance to develop a little and grow and 'On The Verge' is the result. Well I am happy to report it is good news all round. This is a great album. The guys have certainly developed and there is less of the obvious Journey influence on this record. In fact the guys are probably closer to a Tommy Shaw lead Styx than anyone else. The songs on 'On The Verge' take a few listens to get to know and to hear all the hooks and layers of instruments. Much more so than the fairly instantly likeable Lint. This is because the guys have more obviously matured into their own sound and style to the point where now the influences play the back seat role. The playing is tighter, heavier and groovier, the song writing is even better and there is no point on this album where the album fails to keep the listener totally involved. But fans of the first album need not panic! There is still a strong mix of the best of Night Ranger, Styx and Journey to enjoy, just less obvious than before.
The opening track The Song Remains is tough and heavy but still features those unmistakable backing vocals and again features a less than conventional intro. Nice to hear an Australian Diggeridoo in there.
Best Of Times reminds me of Styx. This is an acoustic driven mid tempo rocker with a big big House Of Shakira chorus. Grows more with every listen.
Time Bomb is a funky sort of number. Heavy bass and guitars and a rapping vocal. another big chorus. Good but not a favorite.
Ghost In Town on the other hand is. This is a tough rocker with moody vocals and a chorus that isn't as big as some others, but is none the less effective.
Yesterday's Gone is different! Starting as a solo acoustic track complete with camping sound effects and that 'outdoorsy' feel, it builds into a ful band mid tempo ballad. Some good vocals.
Four Reasons is another half funky tune with the big guitars returning. An AOR chorus that comes from nowhere and stays lodged in your brain for days.
Mbaloumouna is great! A minute and a bit trop fest that momentarily transports the listener to an Hawaiian island. Should have been longer, but I guess it doesn't really fit in here!
The Chance starts slowish and builds to an anthem chorus and plenty of big soaring vocals. One of the best tracks. Lots of acoustic guitars.
Free Your Mind is a harder edge track with a tougher vocal and a heavy chorus.
After The Fall is a big acoustic ballad that ends with an orchestra arrangement. Good ballad.
Warp heads back into that murkier heavier side of the band. A modern track that switches from electric to acoustic. The chorus switches again to a mix of both. Big melodic moodiness!
Enemy is again heavy and more modern and takes a few listens to like as much as the rest of the album. But you will.
And as an added bonus there is alive version of the Journey classic Separate Ways. Not much I can say about this. Classic! A great listen and along with Change Of Heart and Goo Goo Dolls, it has been a very good month for me. This should pick up a legion of new fans and will hopefully strengthen their reputation as one of the 90's best melodic rock bands. Great effort.
Rating 93%