Tore St Moren of JORN

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

In the Hard Rock and Metal communities, Tore St. Moren most notably is known for his role as one of Jorn Lande’s primary guitarists. Sharing this role in Jorn’s band since 2000, Moren has been featured on six studio albums, three compilation albums, two live albums and two DVDs, and a tribute album to Ronnie James Dio. However, his body of recorded work extends beyond his role in Jorn.

Hardrock Haven’s exclusive interview with Moren delves deeper into his musical past and sheds light on the future.

Hardrock Haven: Greetings from America Tore! It is good to talk with you.

Tore St Moren: Hey, nice to hear from you too. Greetings back from Norway!

Hardrock Haven: For those who don’t know by now, you have been one of the featured guitarists in Jorn Lande’s band for years. Can you briefly tell us what you were doing prior to joining Jorn? How did you land the gig with Jorn?

Tore St Moren: Before I met Jorn and the guys I was in a band called Street Legal for some years. We wrote their first album Thunderdome, but I decided to move on when Sid Ringsby, Jorn Lande and Willy Bendiksen asked me to join their band The Snakes after they had split up with Bernie Marsden and Mickey Moody. While writing material for the new album we traveled around Norway playing covers as Wild Willy’s Gang. When we had recorded the first three tracks for the album we found that they sounded quite different from what The Snakes usually did, so we decided to put them on the first JORN album instead. And the rest is history, as they say.

Hardrock Haven: How long have you been playing the guitar? Who are your influences?

Tore St Moren: I started playing when I was 11, and for the first couple of years it was just a hobby. I was also in the school marching band where I learned to play cornetto, tuba, and drums.
My first influences were Ace Frehley and Gary Moore, but when I heard Yngwie’s first solo album I was blown away, and I knew instantly that playing guitar was going to be my path in life. I’m also very much into Santana, Satriani, Iommi, Scott Gorham and Michael Lee Firkins just to mention a few.

Hardrock Haven: Tell me about playing the ProgPower VII Festival in Atlanta, Georgia (United States) in 2006 with Jorn? Was this your first trip to the U.S.? How did the audience react to the band and the live performance?

Tore St Moren: The PP VII was an awesome gig for us! That was in fact our first, and so far the only, trip to the US, so we didn’t know what to expect. The audience was fantastic – unlike anything we’d anticipated. Obviously we have quite a few fans over there, so it’s really sad we haven’t been able to come back yet.

Hardrock Haven: The band (Jorn) just released the DVD, double CD release of Live in Black, are there any good stories about that show?

Tore St Moren: The show was really an awesome experience. We have a good following, and our fans are very dedicated. That, however, turned out to be a bit of a problem for the festival and their security routines. The passageway between our stage and the main stage where Aerosmith played was a bit on the narrow side, so we were instructed by the festival management to cut our set short by 10 minutes in order to move all 22,000 people safely to the Aerosmith gig in time for their show. That’s why we didn’t play “Song For Ronnie James” that night, as it was the last song on our set list.
But Sweden Rock Festival is always a very cool place to be. You get to hang out with both old friends, colleagues, and your heroes at the same place. Y&T were on before us, so I finally got to see them live and meet Dave Meniketti. That was pretty awesome.

Hardrock Haven: Can you tell Jorn fans what is like working with him? How do you guys write the songs? Do play any part in writing the lyrics?

Tore St Moren: Usually someone brings an idea to the table. For me it’s usually a riff or a composition that I record and give to him. Then we work through it and fit it to one of his lyrics or melodies.
He, on the other hand, usually has got most of the song done in his head by the time he presents it to the rest of us, so we just tag along and add our personal touch to it.
As far as lyrics go I’ve participated once when I came up with the title Worldchanger and presented the concept that I read into it.

Hardrock Haven: Now I discovered Jorn through the band Masterplan, then went back and discovered Jorn’s solo music. And after hearing the music and your guitar performances captured on those releases, I now count you as one my favorite guitarists to listen to. Do you see yourself as a “guitar hero” or just someone who is good at his craft?

Tore St Moren: Thank you. The term guitar hero suits me just fine. When I grew up there was nothing cooler than to be a guitar hero. But in the ’90s when the trends changed and the establishment decided that people like Kurt Cobain etc. were the coolest guitar players in the business, most guitar players jumped on the grunge-train. I didn’t. I still went on stage every night with my long ’80s hair, no shirt on and long pants, playing solos the same way I always did, never compromising my style. What I do both musically and visually is a natural part of who I am. I believe that’s the key to success. Be true to who you really are.

Hardrock Haven: What inspires you to write music?

Tore St Moren: I get inspiration from many different sources. Sometimes it’s a song I’ve heard, sometimes things I hear on the news. I very often get inspiration from places I go to and the people I meet. Other times it’s just a feeling I get inside, or a sound I hear when I’m out and about.

Hardrock Haven: You have released two singles on iTunes, “The Journey” and “Benedicte’s Song,” in preparation for releasing your first solo CD. What has been the response been from fans and critics to your music?

Tore St Moren: The response has been awesome. Although instrumental music is a much smaller niche than the traditional classic hard rock that we play with Jorn, I see that people enjoy my songs. Mainly because I focus more on melody, I suppose, rather than technique and speed. Although I love to listen to shred music I personally prefer to play a more bluesy and melodic style.

Hardrock Haven: Shredguy Records is the label that is releasing your solo music. How did you hook up with Michael McDowell?

Tore St Moren: We made contact through old myspace, and he put “Instrubrutal” from the first Carnivora album “Judas” on the Shredding Across The World album. We started talking about the future as I was in the early stages of writing material for my upcoming album. I wanted to release one song to see if there was a market for me out there. Michael put out “The Journey” on iTunes and Amazon. I made it on to the charts, so we decided to release one more track called “Benedicte’s Song” (which also charted), and now I’m about to finish off the album.

Hardrock Haven: What can fans expect to hear from you musically that maybe you don’t to express in Jorn or your other projects?

Tore St Moren: I think the main difference will be that I get to work my way through a whole melody, and not just the 20 to 30 seconds I usually get per song for a solo. This allows me a lot more space for musical expression and atmosphere, and I think it really lifts the whole experience for the listener. I also get to play more diverse musically. This time it’s really about the guitar melodies and not about fitting into one specific genre or sound-scape as you will always have to when you’re in a band or with a singer.

Hardrock Haven: Can you tell us about some of your other past projects? Rain is one that comes to mind, still have the promo of Stronger from 2006, there are some great tunes on there.

Tore St Moren: Yeah – I’ve always liked “Stronger”. It’s a good album with strong melodies and the production is quite good as well. Sadly we ended up being too busy working with other projects, so the band kind of disintegrated I guess. Street Legal is another band that I’m working with at the moment. I co-wrote the first album with them, but decided to put my efforts into JORN, so I didn’t play on the album. I play gigs with them whenever I can, and it looks like we’re going to make a new album this winter. I was also in Arcturus for a while. I recorded one album with them called Sideshow Symphonies, and we also released a live DVD called Shipwrecked In Oslo.

Hardrock Haven: Besides your solo CD soon to be released in the fall or early spring, are there any other cool projects in the works? Any comment on the next Jorn release?

Tore St Moren: As I mentioned before it seems like we’re writing a new album with Street Legal this winter. I’ve also just written and recorded one song with/for Lance King, so you might wanna check that out later this year. The new JORN album is in progress, and the release will be sometime early 2012. We’re currently writing the new material, and recording will start in November. I also did a guest appearance on the debut album from a Czech band called Sebastien earlier this year, and I might do something on their next album as well.

Hardrock Haven: Any thoughts on the passing of Ronnie James Dio? Was it an emotional writing and recording “A Song for Ronnie James?”

Tore St Moren: What many people don’t know, and some don’t want to understand about that song and the “Dio” album is that we had already been working on it for almost two years, in between our other albums when he was first diagnosed with cancer. The video was filmed three months before he passed away. Jorn and Ronnie were really fond of each other; they spent quite some time on the road together when Jorn toured with Yngwie opening for Dio some years back. Jorn wanted to show his appreciation for the man he considers being the greatest hard rock singer of all times, so it was truly a sad day for all of us when we got the news about his passing. That same night was the first time we played “Song For Ronnie James” live.

Hardrock Haven: Tore it was great to get the chance to talk with you? Is there anything else you might want to say in wrapping up the interview?

Tore St Moren: It’s been nice talking to you too. I would also like to add a big thank you to the fans – You guys rock – SHRED IS NOT DEAD!

Tore St Moren artist page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tore-St-Moren/260658053960
Tore St Moren fan group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/torestmoren/
Tore St Moren website: www.torestmoren.com (Under construction)
Jorn website: www.jornlande.com

Jorn | Live in Black

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

If the late Ronnie James Dio, the voice of hard rock and metal, were to pass the “metal” torch to anyone then he most certainly passed it to Jorn Lande, to keep the flame burning brightly for all to see and hear. He was indoctrinated with the honor of taking the stage with the voice of rock, Glenn Hughes, at the final Heaven & Hell concert in Victoria Park, London. Joining Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath) the founding fathers of metal on stage, he lifted his voice in tribute, to the then recently departed Mr. Ronnie James Dio.

Yes, the torch has been passed. It most certainly has gone to a man with a resume to be proud of. After starting his career with Ronni le Tekro in the band Vagabond in the ‘80s, Jorn Lande then dived head-first into the world of music. Lande has appeared on many CDs and on stage with many of today’s top-flight music-acts such as, Millenium, Ark, Avantasia, Beyond Twilight and Brazen Abbot. He has worked with Russell Allen on three successful CDs. Teamed with guitarist Roland Grapow (former Helloween), Lande is the voice and frontman in Masterplan. With all this notoriety and success, Lande has had a successful career fronting his own band on eight critically acclaimed studio releases.

Following up on Jorn’s last studio album, ‘09s Spirit Black, the band delivers its second live opus, titled Live in Black. Recorded two weeks prior to Lande’s appearance with Heaven & Hell, Live in Black was captured on video and audio at the Sweden Rock Festival in Solvesborg. In front of 20,000 crazed metal fans, Jorn Lande and his current band lineup, comprising guitarists Tore Moren and Tor Erik Myhre, bassist Nic Angileri and drummer “Wild” Willy Bendiksen, delivered 14 songs that were culled from his catalog of music. The set lists also included guitar solos by Tore Moren and Tor Erik Myhre (got to love these Viking names) and a drum solo from “Wild” Willy Bendiksen.

All of Lande’s band mates are high-caliber musicians from prominent hard rock and metal European acts. Tore Moren has worked with Rain, Carnivora and Arctutus. He currently is working on releasing solo material on Shredguy Records. Tor Erik Myhre founded the Norwegian band Symphony, which later became Northwind and has been a part of Norway’s music scene for years. Nic Angileri is a rock/fusion bassist who has worked as a side/session bass player. He has an extensive resume that features TV projects, clinics and endorsements. “Wild” Willy Bendiksen is kind of a cult figure in his home country of Norway. Lending his name to the band Wild Willy’s Gang, the group is a revolving door for some of Norway’s top musicians. The group released a studio album in ’05 titled Camouflage. With TNT’s own Ronni le Tekro on guitars, this is a first-rate heavy metal CD you definitely should check out.

Live in Black captures Lande and his band mates in fine form as they rip through their set of heavy, hard rock anthems. This set list is strictly originals, except for the inclusion of Thin Lizzy’s “Are You Ready.” Fans are treated to heavy doses of majestic hard rock compositions in the guise of songs, such as “Road of the Cross,” “We Brought the Angels Down,” “Stormcrow,” “Tungur Kniver,” and many, many more. A review of the double CD release means that not much is revealed in regards to the visual energy of the masses that was gathered before the band. Knowing what was delivered on the Live! In America DVD helps build the mental image of 20,000-plus fans pumping their fists in the air. A must-have for fans? Yeah. You know it. Hopefully reviews such as this helps reveal the brilliance of Jorn Lande to the shores of the U.S.A., as North Americans truly have no idea what they have been missing.

Genre: Hard Rock / Heavy Metal

Band:
Jorn Lande: Vocals
Tore Moren: Guitar
Tor Erik Myhre: Guitar
Nic Angileri: Bass
Willy Bendiksen: Drums

Label: Frontiers Records

Web: www.jornlande.com

Track Listing:

CD 1
1. Road of the Cross
2. Shadow People
3. Below
4. We Brought The Angels Down
5. Stormcrow
6. Spirit Black
7. The Inner Road
8. Man of the Dark

CD 2
1. Blacksong
2. Guitar Solo (Tore Moren)
3. Tungur Knivur
4. Guitar Solo (Tor Erik Myhre)
5. Rock and Roll Angel
6. Drum Solo
7. Soul of the Wind
8. Are You Ready
9. War of the World

DVD
1. Road of the Cross
2. Shadow People
3. Below
4. We Brought The Angels Down
5. Stormcrow
6. Spirit Black
7. The Inner Road
8. Man of the Dark
9. Blacksong
10. Guitar Solo (Tore Moren)
11. Tungur Knivur
12. Guitar Solo (Tor Erik Myhre)
13. Rock and Roll Angel
14. Drum Solo
15. Soul of the Wind
16. Are You Ready
17. War of the World

Features:
Bonus Material: Song for Ronnie James (videoclip), Man of the Dark (videoclip).
Stereo mix 2.0 / 5.1 – Screen 16:9
Format: NTSC Region Free

Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10

Tore St. Moren : The Journey / Benedict’s Song

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

In the Hard Rock and Metal communities, Tore St. Moren most notably is known for his role as one of Jorn Lande’s primary guitarists. Sharing this role in Jorn’s band since 2000, Moren has been featured on six studio albums, two compilation albums, one live album and video, and a tribute album to Ronnie James Dio. However, his body of recorded work extends beyond his role in Jorn.

Moren founded the band Carnivora in 1999 and released two albums, ‘04’s Judas and ‘06’s Re-Incarnal on Facefront Records. In 2003, he became a member of the band Rain and in ’06 recorded the album Stronger. He also appeared on the album Sideshow Symphonies, which was released by Arctutus ‘05.

With such a busy schedule, one might ponder the question as to “… what will Moren do next?” And the insight you might glean from that question is a solo instrumental album, which Moren started working on a year ago.

Joining forces with Shredguy Records, Moren’s dream to release his first solo studio album slowly is coming to fruition. As that day approaches, the label has and will release a few songs from the upcoming album. In February, the first song, “The Journey,” was released and was made available in digital format at iTunes and Amazon. Following that release, the label this month dropped a second song titled “Benedicte’s Song,” which also is available online. Both songs give us a glimpse of what we might expect for this as-of-yet untitled studio album.

Of the two songs, “The Journey” is the heavier one. The arrangement features some nice dynamic changes that highlight both the lead and rhythm guitars. Furious lead playing intermingles with the use of the WAH pedal and exotic scales. Moren blends in harmony guitar parts throughout the song, providing another nice dynamic within the context of the music.

“Benedicte’s Song” is a melodic number, seemingly inspired maybe a bit by classic Michael Schenker. With a slower tempo this isn’t a tear-jerker ballad, the song has more of a rock opus feel that pushes forward to its majestic climatic chorus and has a pure, positive energy built on feeling and passion.

Although this is just a brief introduction to Moren as a solo instrumental artist, the songs highlight a mature and inspired musician. He can “shred” but understands melody and phrasing. He certainly knows how to let the music breath. He displays is well-rounded talent with high-caliber rhythm and solo performances. Fans will be impressed and will be licking their chops while waiting for the full album to be released.

Genre: Hard Rock / Metal Instrumental

Label: Shredguy Records

Digital Download available for purchase at:

iTunes

Amazon

Hardrock Haven rating: n/a

Discography:

Arctutus
Studio album: Sideshow Symphonies

Carnivora
Studio album: Judas · Re-Incarnal

Jorn (Lande)
Studio album: Starfire · Worldchanger · Out to Every Nation · The Duke · Lonely Are the Brave · Spirit Black
Live album: Live in America
Cover Album: Unlocking the Past · Dio
Compilations: The Gathering · The Dukebox
Video: Live in America

Rain
Studio album: Rain

Masterplan Time To Be King

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

Masterplan is back in 2010 with their forth studio release to date, Time to Be King. Following up ’07’s MK II led to a period of time that saw original vocalist Jorn Lande step down and Mike DiMeo (Riot) join the band as his replacement. Whatever fallout between Lande and Masterplan soon reared its head with DiMeo, as he departed the group early in ’09. To the delight of Masterplan fans everywhere, Lande was announced to be returning to the band during the summer of the same year. Now, after plenty of Masterplan’s fans anxiously awaited, the new studio album Time to Be King finally has finally.

From the beginning, Roland Grapow held the vision for Masterplan within his mind as he and Uli Kusch (former drummer) created a style of music that developed from their involvement with Helloween. Forging Power Metal with the Norwegian vocal prowess of Jorn Lande baptized Masterplan in fire, creating their vision of Melodic Power Metal.

Time to Be King comprises 10 songs. The music still has that metallic fire of Masterplan’s debut release as well the melodic tones of Aeronautics. It was produced and recorded by Grapow at studio Slavakia. Mixing duties fell upon Grapow as well as Mikko Karmilla at Finnvox Studios, Helsinki. Overall, the production is of the highest caliber.

The music on Time to Be King continues to have the epic feel of past studio albums. The audio experience is entrenched in lavish musical arrangements and produces a wall of sonic bliss. The band’s Power Metal edginess builds the accompaniment for Jorn’s powerful voice and lyrical prose. Lande’s voice dances from hard-edged tonalities to melodic vocal melodies.

Time to Be King scores big by delivering catchy and memorable music that focuses on the band’s strengths. There are no filler songs for listeners to skip over. The band drives its point home with songs like “Far From the End of the World,” “Blow Your Wind,” The Dark Road” and “Under the Moon.” Constantly producing driving rhythmic beasts with no let up of intensity, Masterplan takes Power Metal to another dimension, giving all the songs life with the infusion of melodic overtones. Within the context of the band, all the instrumentation; guitars, bass, vocals and keys, support each other to produce balanced and focused arrangements.

Time to Be King is a fitting return for Masterplan. Not that they went vary far, but the brief loss of Lande was an unexpected distraction. We can thank whatever god you pray to that he is back. Through this process of change, the music never lost its fire, but it certainly was hard to hear any other singer married to Grapow’s guitar work after Lande.

Genre: Melodic Power Metal

Band Lineup:
Jørn Lande: Vocals
Roland Grapow: Guitars
Jan-Sören Eckert: Bass
Mike Terrana: Drums
Axel Mackenrott: Keyboards

Track Listing:
1. Fiddle Of Time (4:20)
2. Blow Your Winds (3:19)
3. Far From The End Of The World (3:35)
4. Time To Be King (4:44)
5. Lonely Winds Of War (4:35)
6. The Dark Road (6:19)
7. The Sun Is In Your Hands (4:32)
8. The Black One (4:13)
9. Blue Europa (5:07)
10. Under The Moon (4:14)

Bonus track on ltd. Edition:
11. Kisses From You

Label: AFM Records

Web: http://www.afm-records.de

Hardrock Haven rating: 9/10

GLENN HUGHES, JORN LANDE To Front HEAVEN & HELL At RONNIE JAMES DIO Tribute Concert

On May 16, Ronnie James Dio passed away and the world of music mourned the loss of the greatest voice of heavy metal.

Dio was a truly iconic figure in music, whose work with ELF, RAINBOW, BLACK SABBATH, DIO and most recently, HEAVEN & HELL defined a genre.

HEAVEN & HELL was set to be on the road in Europe this summer when news came through that despite the amazing progress he was making Ronnie wouldn’t be well enough to tour and those shows were canceled. But now, remaining members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice are set to play a one-off show to celebrate his life and work. According to Black-Sabbath.com, the band will be completed by Glenn Hughes (BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE, TRAPEZE) and Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN) who will both contribute vocals.

Hughes was a close friend of Ronnie’s for many years and performed a musical tribute at Ronnie’s funeral service in Los Angeles.

Although Norwegian Jorn Lande is best known as the vocalist for power metal band MASTERPLAN, he has also released many solo albums, including a tribute to Ronnie.

The concert promises to be a fitting celebration to a man that the metal scene owes so much.

“It’s going to be a very emotional occasion,” said Butler in a statement.

“Ronnie loved his fans like no one else I know — and they loved him. It will be a privilege doing a gig in honor of his memory, and to help towards his charity. Above all, I hope it encourages people to have regular check-ups for this disease. Early detection is vital, and greatly improves the chance of a cure.

“I know everyone has heard that a million times before, but seeing one of your best friends die, because we all think we’re immune from this disease, really brings it home.

“Do it for yourself, your family, your friends. Ronnie would be proud of you.”

Tony Iommi added: “Ronnie’s passing has left a huge hole. We hadn’t anywhere near finished what we set out to do as a band together. He was so looking forward to the European tour and we hope this appearance will go some way to fulfilling that.”

The Ronnie James Dio “Stand Up And Shout” Cancer Fund program description:

* The fund is committed to the early detection and prevention of cancer through facilitating access to medical screening and medical educational programs.

* The fund supports programs designed to integrate medical knowledge into local communities such as cancer screening programs, education on nutrition in cancer prevention, exercise and overall wellness.”

* The goal of the fund is to reduce the risk of developing life threatening cancers by offering access to preventative medical services.”

* Furthering the commitment for patients to access to quality medical care related to cancer, the fund seeks to assist families burdened by the cost of caring for loved ones with cancer.”

Tickets for High Voltage festival are priced £135 (for weekend tickets) and £75 (for day tickets). There is no booking fee for Classic Rock Presents High Voltage tickets. Other VIP packages available alongside standard tickets from www.highvoltagefestival.com or 24hr cc ticketline 0871 230 5582.

Jorn Dio

by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer

Norwegian vocal god Jorn Lande, who somehow manages to get at least one new album out each year, is back with a new release, titled simply Dio. It’s a covers collection of songs originally performed by the late Ronnie James Dio. It’s no secret that Jorn knows his way around a good cover song. This isn’t even his first covers album (see the excellent Unlocking the Past). It is his first covers album dedicated to a single artist however, and he couldn’t have picked a more appropriate subject. Jorn Lande may sound like David Coverdale’s clone, but his songwriting style is completely Dio-inspired. Every time a new Jorn album comes out you end up thinking it’s what a Whitesnake album would sound like if Dio wrote it.

Dio kicks off with an original song, the tribute “Song For Ronnie James.” It’s completely respectful, but isn’t as strong as the average Jorn song. Still, you have to credit him for paying respect like that, and the video clip for the song is good. After that, it’s on to the cover songs. Dio has an interesting track listing. Jorn seems to have gone out of his way to choose lesser-known tracks from lesser-known Dio albums. Sure, he hits some of the big ones (“Stand Up and Shout,” “Kill the King”), but there are a lot of unexpected choices here, like “Push” (from Killing the Dragon), “Lord of the Last Day” (from Magica) and Dream Evil’s “Sunset Superman.”

Some of the songs work perfectly with Jorn’s voice. He absolutely slays on “Shame On the Night,” “Push,” “Don’t Talk To Strangers” and Rainbow’s “Kill the King.” There are also songs that don’t work so well. “Lord of the Last Day” and “Night People” just aren’t that memorable. Of course, they weren’t the strongest Dio songs to begin with. Still, Dio is way more hit than miss. Jorn’s voice fits Dio’s songs to a T, and his sheer love for the man and his music is contagious. The album closes with a live performance of “Straight Through the Heart,” which appears to be taken from his Live in the USA release.

The timing of this release, announced just days after Ronnie James Dio’s passing, raised some eyebrows, but Dio had been in the works for some time, and in the end it is a fitting tribute to a man that Jorn obviously owes a great debt to (as do we all, in one way or another). If you’re already a Jorn fan, obviously you need to own this album. It’s also a great way for Dio fans to discover one of Ronnie James Dio’s most devoted disciples.

P.S. – You have to wonder if he has a David Coverdale tribute collection coming at some point.

Genre: Melodic Hard Rock

Band:
Jorn Lande (v)
Willy Bendiksen (d)
Nic Angileri (b)
Tore Moren (g)
Tor Erik Myhre (g)
Jgor Gianola (g)

Track Listing:
1. Song For Ronnie James
2. Invisible
3. Shame On the Night
4. Push
5. Stand Up And Shout
6. Don’t Talk To Strangers
7. Lord of the Last Day
8. Night People
9. Sacred Heart
10. Sunset Superman
11. Lonely Is the Word – Letters From Earth
12. Kill the King
13. Straight Through the Heart (live)

Label: Frontiers

Website: www.jornlande.com

Hardrock Haven rating: 7.5/10

Jorn Spirit Black

by John Kindred
Staff Writer

Let’s face it, America may not know it yet, but the torch has been passed. Jorn Lande certainly is the current voice of Hard Rock and Metal. Jorn stands quite proudly with the likes of Dio, Coverdale and Gillian. He has paid his dues and is now firmly entrenched with the “who’s who” of Hard Rock and Metal. Jorn has appeared on 30 albums. He has been an integral band member and front man for Millennium, Ark and Masterplan. And Jorn also has appeared on numerous side projects.

His latest solo album, Spirit Black, is a focal point for Jorn and his band mates to do what they do best. Unleashing straight-up hard rock songs, Jorn shifts away from the experimental and delivers a new record much like ‘06’s The Duke and ‘08’s Lonely Are the Brave.

Jorn is back again working with producer Tommy Hansen: Hey it’s a winning formula so why change it? The band features Tore Moren (g) and Willy Bendiksen on drums and introduces us to new band members Jgor Gianola (g), from U.D.O., and bassist Nic Angileri from the band Gotthard.

Spirit Black features songs that harkens back to the ‘80s. Many of the tracks where born during that time period. Whether from dusted off riffs or revisiting demos long ago recorded and stored away, Jorn and company bring new life to these old ideas, producing a solid nine-song studio album. Hard rock and metal fans will like the straight-ahead heavy rock vibe. Jorn continues to push the guitars to the forefront of the audio spectrum. You can expect to hear raw in-your-face riffs and solos underneath the majestic voice of hard rock and metal.

Starting off with the title track, “Spirit Black,” the drums hammer away as “Wild” Willy introduces the song. Heavy riffs and heavy drums build the groundwork for Jorn’s distinct vocal parade. As the album unwinds, the central theme of hard, crushing riffs drives the music along. Although “City Inbetween” could have been on an Ark album with its slightly progressive feel that builds to a positive uplifting chorus. It’s not until “Rock and Roll Angel” that the band mellows just for a little while. Smooth acoustic guitars and Jorn’s vocal presence build this song into a fist-pumping anthem.

“Burn the Flame” comes at you with a driving progression of music almost like the bands cover version of Thin Lizzy’s “Are You Ready” on The Duke. “World Gone Mad” is signature Jorn. His vocal growl is all over the song. Thought-provoking lyrics creatively sung like only the man can do it; absolutely spellbinding.

The band doesn’t escape doing a cover song and puts their stamp on Tarja Turunen’s song, “I Walk Alone,” another song that features a melodic and hook-filled chorus. For those that purchase the first limited-edition digipak edition CD, there is an additional bonus track, “The Sun Goes Down.”

Not necessarily an instant hit, Spirit Black, is an album that will grow on you. In that respect, the album proves to be a keeper and not a quick fix to your metal addiction. Like all of his recorded works, Jorn’s music should be savored and taken in slowly. This will lead to a high level of satisfaction.

Label: Frontiers

http://www.jornlande.com

Band:
Jorn Lande (v)
Tore Moren (g)
Willy Bendiksen (d)
Jgor Gianola (g)
Nic Angileri (b)

Track Listing:
01. Spirit Black
02. Below
03. Road of the Cross
04. The Last Revolution
05. City Inbetweeen
06. Rock And Roll Angel
07. Burn Your Flame
08. World Gone Mad
09. I Walk Alone
10. The Sun Goes Down (bonus track)

Hardrock Haven Rating: 9/10