|
Line-up:
Russell
Allen - Vocals
Jorn
Lande - Vocals
Magnus Karlsson - Guitar, Bass, Keyboards
Jaime Salazar - Drums
Release
Date:
19 September, 2005
Tracklist:
1. Another Battle
2. Hunter’s Night
3. Wish For A Miracle
4. Reach A Little Longer
5. Come Alive
6. Truth Of Our Time
7. My Own Way
8. Ask You Anyway
9. Silent Rage
10. Where Have The Angels Gone
11. Universe Of Light
12. The Forgotten Ones
Website:
www.frontiers.it Check
also:
Surprise Of September 2005
|
This
is a project I’ve been waiting for long - by the actual time of the
announcement to be honest. You see, both singers are among my
favourite ones in the 90’s and 00’s and I’ve been looking
forward to listening to their collaboration... away from the norms of
their formal bands. And I can tell you that my expectations this time
have been met - not to say that the result is even beyond expectations.
What is even more important? The fact that the two talented vocalists
have differentiated the style of this musical labour in comparison to
the approach they follow with their bands... something that proves
that the release has a serious reason of existence and is not the
typical “project-earning machine”, which follows suit what the
musicians produce with their regular bands.
For
those who might not know the two artists, I can only say that Russell
Allen is the vocalist of one of the best, pioneering and intelligent
bands of progressive metal, Symphony X (a band that has released only
masterpieces). Jorn Lande made a break with the exceptional,
astonishing, personal favourite, unearthly, inhuman band Ark. Then (to
my disappointment) he formed with x-Helloween members the band
Masterplan, which produced two very good power metal albums in the
past couple of years.
The
two talented musicians are accompanied here by Last Tribe’s
guitarist Magnus Karlsson, who seems to “bind” with both of them,
creating thus a magical chemistry. What kind of music the band plays??
Well, I can only call it melodic metal/rock. A mixture of melodic rock,
fit in metal forms, with very catchy refrains, amazing melodies and
above all (as expected) impressive vocal lines. The whole outcomes
seems to be very modern, largely thanks to the flawless production by
Anders “Theo” Theander (Pain Of Salvation, Last Tribe, Urban Tale).
I can seriously tell you that this is possibly the best melodic rock
album of the year. However you shouldn’t mistake its sound with
those of bands like Journey, Harem Scarem etc. This here is... hard
melodic rock, that is highly related to the metal legacy of Masterplan
(it couldn’t have been much different taken the background of the
two musicians).
Extra
credit for the wonderful cover and artwork, designed by Rodney
Matthews, the legendary painter who created Magnum’s “On A
Storyteller’s Night”, Diamond Head’s “Borrowed Time” (with
Elric of Melnibone), Asia’s “Aqua” and “Arena”, Praying
Mantis’ “Time Tells No Lies”. A must buy for everyone.
by Alex Savatianos 9/10
| 