_{“End Game” is the debut album from Scandinavia based band Naked and it was released through Escape Music on 20th November. The label “melodic rock” has been applied to the band. However, to be honest, whilst there are a couple of tamer, more mellow tracks on the album, probably the majority; or at least all my favourites, are from the heavier end of the “melodic rock” spectrum. The “melodic rock” label is probably one of the most expansive of the rock music genres and it is little wonder that so many bands seem to attract that label. In an era when all music seems to need a label other than simply “rock” maybe that is just the safest option for all those that don’t fit at the heavier end of the spectrum. The track “Blood of My Blood” is included on the Friday NI Rocks Show broadcast on 27th November.}

_{Naked was formed by singer Peter Sundvall and rhythm guitarist Matts Stattin; both of whom are credited with co-production of the album. The producer is Tony Borg (from the band Alien) who also plays lead guitar and keyboards. Paul Logue from Eden’s Curse plays bass and the drummer is Mikael Wikman. There are several guest musicians on the track “End of Eternity” including Jennie Jahns on vocals, Pete Newdeck (who is also the mixing engineer) on backing vocals and piano and Shuji Matsumoto on fretless bass.}

_{There are 12 tracks on the album. My favourites would be “Silverthorn”, “Aim For The heart”, “Blood of My Blood”, “Victoria Avenue”, “Setting Sails” and “The Great War”.}

_{For more info check out http://www.naked.se/ or  https://www.facebook.com/NAKED-The-Band-956403754424968/}

_{About “NI Rocks Recommends”}

_{The simple idea behind “NI Rocks Recommends” is to acknowledge and promote some of the great music being submitted to Rock Radio NI. I'll not be giving marks or ratings or analyzing the tracks in great detail; just telling you something about the artist and the album. It’s a personal recommendation, not a traditional “review”!}

_{My musical tastes cover most things rock; from the not too melodic to the not too heavy. The albums that I’ll be recommending are merely those that I would buy myself and which you’ll be hearing played on my shows on Rock Radio NI.}

_{Check out NI Rocks on Facebook – www.facebook.com/NIRocks or Twitter - www.twitter.com/NIrelandRocks}