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Artist: Allen - Lande |
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In 2005
we saw the first collaboration between Russell Allen and Jorn Lande with
the now infamous 'The Battle', an album that took the rock word by storm as
both vocalists set out their stalls with some of the finest Melodic Metal
of that year. This
was followed in 2007 by the equally impressive second album ‘The
Revenge’, a heavier opus and with Dennis Ward taking up production
duties, the album was a tight as a fishes you know what! Again
we see Magnus
Karlsson on writing duties and Rodney Mathews again providing the cover
artwork, but this time we see Achim Kohler in charge of mixing the album,
the result is just magnificent as he brings out the best in both
vocal talents, although the music behind these two frontmen is just
excellent. If you
are fan of the previous two releases then you are going to be blown away
with this new opus. Perhaps a little heavier in places than the previous two
album, but the quality of musicianship from Karlsson himself who provides
all guitar, bass and keyboards and Jamie Salazar on drums is just
outstanding, and of course the two vocal might’s of Lande and Allen
are just the icing on what is a very power and dynamic Melodic Metal
cake. Things
get underway with the title track ‘The Showdown’. As opening tracks
go this has to be one of the best ways to start off any album, as Lande
strikes first blood on the vocal front with Allen joining in on the
chorus. Karlsson puts together some superb opening riffs as well a
mighty bass line, keeping it real is Salazar who delivers more punch
than Mike Tyson on the skins. After
that opener I just couldn't wait to hear the rest of the album because if
this is just a sample of the quality on display, I was prepared to be
blown away. I
wasn’t to be disappointed as ‘Judgement Day’ fires out of the
speakers I’m left speechless by the quality of this release. The word
epic just doesn’t do this album justice. The soaring guitars from Karlsson
are just fantastic and get this track off to a tremendous start and when
the vocals come in things only get better. That
epic feel to proceedings continues with the almost film score metal of
‘Never Again’. Again the quality musicianship from Karlsson really
blows my away. Huge guitars and monster bass lines all interwoven with a
subtle orchestral keyboards, all built around that stellar drum beat of
Salazar. The
heavier side of the whole Allen/Lande project is brought out on the
excellent ‘Turn All Into Gold’ as Karlsson lays down some of his
heaviest licks so far. The
tempo is brought down again with ‘Bloodlines’ but not to balladesque
state, that is left to the sublime ‘Copernicus’, a real classy track
that just sweeps you away on a carpet of melody and grace as only Lande
can. Thing
get a little rockier with the superb ‘We Will Rise Again’ and the
exceptional riff spewn splendour that is ‘The Guardian’. It's
hard to pick out individual favourites from this album because each
track has its own special moments but if I had to pick just one track that
has left its mark on me more than most, then it would have to be ‘Maya’.
This song for me depicts what this album is all about. Great melodies a
fantastic vocal and great guitars and keys all on a foundation of a
solid rhythm section. This for me is Melodic Metal as it should be.
That
film score epic feel is back with the wonderful ‘The Artist’, a
thunderous back-beat keeps this one firmly based in the heavier side of
things, again featuring some stirring riffs from Karlsson adding that extra edge
to things. The
album closes with two real gems first up ‘Eternity’ the closest
thing to a Metal Power Ballad you’ll get, and secondly the bonus track
‘Alias’, an old school rocker that caps off what is another
wonderful Allen / Lande / Karlsson collaboration. I can't wait for the next
chapter because each album has excelled its predecessor and not many
albums manage to achieve that these days. Definitely my all out album of the month for November 2010's releases. |
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Tracklisting: 1.
The Showdown |
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