Description

Given the two phenomenal vocal talents involved - Russell Allen (Symphony X) and Jorn Lande (ex-everyone else) - was anyone really expecting less than greatness from the Battle?

I'm a vocalist fan first and foremost. I think technical prowess is important and enjoy instrumental pyrotechnics as much as the next guy, but my enjoyment of an album will ultimately have a lot more to do with how well the singer belts out the songs than how long a guitarist can shred or how many strings a bassist uses. As technical as Symphony X's music gets, Russell Allen is the main reason I buy their albums. Andmore… as for Jorn Lande, let's face it - the man is a vocal god.

The Battle is an album that is perfectly tailored for these vocal titans. The songs are extremely melodic, extremely well-written, and capitalize on the full range, power and emotion each singer possesses. Jorn is no stranger to this kind of melodic metal, but hearing Russell Allen in this setting makes me think his talents may be wasted in Symphony X, where he often has to remain silent while Michael Romeo is Yngwie-ing around.

And while much credit is due both singers, I think special mention should be made of guitarist/songwriter Magnus Karlsson, as it is his songs these guys are singing. Karlsson, a veteran of such first class melodic metal bands as Last Tribe and Starbreaker, is one of the two best "behind the scenes" players in the genre (Pink Cream 69's Dennis Ward is the other). The combination of his great songs and playing and Jorn and Allen's vocal performance is just amazing to hear, and is the real reason The Battle is such a fantastic album.

I have absolutely no complaints at all about the Battle. I do occasionally have "what if" thoughts and would have loved to have seen DC Cooper (Silent Force) added to the mix somewhere. He would have been right at home on a project like this.

If you're a fan of Russell Allen, buy this album. If you're a fan of Jorn Lande, buy this album. If you enjoy top quality melodic metal bands like Pretty Maids, Last Tribe, TNT, Pink Cream 69, Starbreaker, Shy, and Sunstorm, you absolutely must buy this album.

Tracks

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Info:

Category:

Music > Albums

Case Type:

CD

Release Type:

Retail

Comments:

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Cover Info:

Title:

Russell Allen, Jorn Lande - The Battle (2006) Retail CD

Part:

Front

Dimensions:

1413 x 1407 px

Size:

370 KB

Downloads:

873 (0 today)

Uploaded:

Report a Problem Wrong Cover Duplicate Image Bad Quality Wrong Info

07/11/07 by johnk5150

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