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
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