| Barikada
- World Of Music - Svastara - 2007 |
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ALLEN - LANDE
P o r t r a i t
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Allen - Lande
P o r t r a i t |
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The Russell Allen / Jorn Lande project of 2005, billed as "The
Battle", pitched two of the most extraordinary Hard Rock vocal talents together.
Jorn
Lande
had made a striking impression on the global Metal scene with a collection
of solo albums and most prominently fronting Masterplan. The in demand
singer had also vocalised for Vagabond, Yngwie Malmsteen, Ark, Mundanus
Imperium, Millennium and The Snakes.
The vocal pedigree on this CD is outstanding. Russell Allen from Symphony
X and Jorn Lande from Masterplan are both great singers. My biggest question
was if the music could match the vocals. And for the most part the answer is
yes. The songs on "The Battle" are monstrously melodic with giant
hooks and singalong choruses. Most of the songs are uptempo with a lot of energy
and some really good guitar work.
The production on the CD is also very good, blending the guitars and dual
vocals with clarity and precision. Fans of melodic metal, power metal and of
course Allen and Lande should enjoy their collaboration.
Russell Allen, frontman of leading
US Progressive Metal act Symphony X, had issued a solo effort, "Atomic
Soul".
The elaborate artwork for "The Battle" was executed by the esteemed Christian
fantasy artist Rodney Matthews. Guitar work came courtesy of Last Tribe's
Magnus Karlsson. Japanese versions on the Avalon Marquee label added an extra
track
with an acoustic rendition of "Reach A Little Longer".
Working with vocalist / keyboard player Mike Andersson of Cloudscape,
Magnus Karlsson initiated an all star project dubbed Planet Alliance for a
2006 album. Recordings for a second Russell Allen / Jorn Lande album,
billed "The
Revenge",
commenced in August with Dennis Ward of Pink Cream 69 acting as producer.
Magnus Karlsson again donated his songwriting skills and guitar contributions
and,
continuing a successful theme, Rodney Matthews was commissioned once again
for the artwork. Frontiers Records put the album out in May 2007, backed by
a major international promotional campaign.
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