In late 1994, Christian (guitarist) and Mika (drummer) began writing songs together and combine their musical backgrounds (and influences - a melpot of 70's / 80's / 90's). They enrolled Joacim Cans (yes, HammerFall's singer) to give a special "touch" with his melodic lines and high pitched vocals. When I received this promo album, I immediately thought of Hammerfall. Wrong bet !
I was disappointed on first listening, because I was expecting a "True Metal" album and in fact it is a melpot hard rock record. From the 70's (Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin) to the 80's and 90's (Kiss, Nirvana, Aerosmith), a typical "non-typical" metal record. To resume "Lotus" I will use two word : new sound.
Two point need to be highlighted here : 1) this album has been recorded before Joacim joined Hammerfall. 2) following this record, Joacim joined Hammerfall. And I easily understand why. On Mrs. Hippie's songs, his voice is just ... amazing. If I compare Joacim vocals on HammerFall's record and this one, I can tell you that he is very "limited" with Hammerfall (that's due to HammerFall typical style).
For open mind metal fans who wants to here something "different" and a bit nostalgic.