Album review: SHA-BOOM – Another Nail in the Coffin

August 28th, 2026 by jason

Silver Lining Music [Release date 26.08.26]

Sha-Boom appeared in 1988 and disappeared almost as quickly in 1992. Fast forward to 2005 and they released ‘The Race Is On’, then radio silence for a couple of decades until they re-emerge with ‘Another Nail in the Coffin’. Vocalist Dag Finn is still at the mic stand, joined by the rhythm section of Jonas Oijvall (keyboards) and Thomas Broman (drums), Thomas Vikstrom (Therion) on backing vocals and Eclipse’s Erik Martensson (guitars, bass & vocals). The album’s sound has Martensson’s musical magic in the harmony vocals, guitars and big sounding choruses.

It’s like the 80′s all over again, recalling the halcyon days of Skagarak, Treat and Europe – basically, top notch Scandinavian melodic hard rock, with a big nod to Def Leppard’s vocal harmonies. Listen to ‘Back on the Streets’ or the aptly titled ‘Let’s Go (88)’ and you’d have to be one grumpy bugger not to be bouncing around and humming these songs after a couple of listens.

Sha-Boom excel at good time tunes, be it the bouncy album opener ‘Never Stop’ or the sing-a-long chorus on the single ‘Walk (Far Away)’. It’s been done many times before for sure, but Finn’s vocals and Martensson’s production skills make these songs a cut above similar artists.

Ballads maybe Sha-Boom’s weaker side as ‘Million Miles Away’ seems to lack that bit of magical power you’d want from this style of music.

One of the songs of the year has to be ‘One More Drink for the Road’, a duet with Thundermother’s Linnéa Vikström. The chorus is immense and recalls Ginger Wildheart’s Hey Hello! Melodic hard rock doesn’t get much better than this regardless of year or decade.

At times more there is more cheese in the lyrics than a deli counter at Waitrose, however, Sha-Boom leave the listener with a smile on their face and a fair few new tunes to hum. A perfect musical pick me-up. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 9 August 2026.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). First broadcast on 4 August 2026

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 17 August 2026

STORMBRINGER Dirt And Bone (Attic Records)
SARI SCHORR Mr. In The Middle (Provogue Records)
JAMES KENNEDY & THE UNDERDOGS Shadows (Konic Records)
KATH & THE KICKS Sleep (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Too Far Gone (Silver Lining Music)
SESAME GIRL Prettiest Girl In The World (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 17 August 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.