Despite the death metal-sounding name, DEAD MAN’s "Euphoria" is actually an album of spaced-out prog rock courtesy of a bunch of hairy, bearded guys from Sweden. Rocking on as if punk rock never happened, "Euphoria" alternates between mid-tempo, 1970’s cosmic space jams and down-home, bluegrass-style guitar picking, The boys aren’t wanting for influences, and they throw everything into their mix, including "Damnation"-era OPETH, PINK FLOYD and GRATEFUL DEAD, along with a heaping helping of Swedish mushrooms which clearly have never been cultivated on American soil.

The first two tracks, “Today,” and “High or Low,” are the high-marks, with some gorgeous guitar playing, synthesizer undertones and delicate vocal interplay. These compositions are so loosely constructed, you get the feeling the guys just set up in a barn some place, turned on the recorder and started playing, allowing the songs to wander off wherever the marijuana smoke billowed. The tunes don’t end so much as drift away as each individual member leaves the jam to go to the bathroom or get some munchies.

While "Euphoria" is a gentle, easy listen, it’s hardly riveting, with many of the songs meandering on long past their expiration date. While my attention tended to wander off with the band’s, there’s no denying that these guys have talent. All they need to do is tighten it up. Still, "Euphoria" should appeal to fans of stoned, bearded Swedish guys the world over

- Severin

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/deadmansweden

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