Jorn - Worldchanger

Year of Release: 2001
Label: Frontiers
Catalog Number: FR CD 094
Format: CD
Total Time: 42:29:00

Worldchanger is the second solo album from Millenium/ARK/Beyond Twilight vocalist Jørn Lande. Jørn has kept a very high profile over the last year and has maintained his position as one of the best and most versatile rock vocalists around today. Some might think he is over-exposing himself, but I must admit that I am impressed by the choices he has taken over the last few years. It seems very well thought through and it also seems to pay off and I have yet to see Lande appear on a poor album, so in my book Lande equals quality. Another smart choice he has made is to appear with musicians that are rather different from each other when it comes to musical style. That way, he avoids regurgitating like many other vocalists do. And he has proven to be a chameleon among vocalists, constantly changing his tone. And Worldchanger is no exeption.

The new album is quite different from his debut and is heavier, darker, and, I am happy to report, better. I am glad he chose to exclusively do his own material this time, rather than cover songs, as I have always thought that is what he does the best. The keys are replaced with more guitar-power and Tore Moren really shines on this CD. He stands out as an excellent guitarist, producing brilliant catchy riffs and blistering melodic solos. Willy Bediksen is replaced by Hellhammer (Kovenant, Mayhem) on drums and he does a great job indeed. Cool to see him doing something like this and he proves to be a versatile drummer. Sid Ringsby on bass does a solid job as always.

The album is like a mix between Millenium-like melodic rockers and heavy Sabbath-like songs. Tracks like "Sunset Station," "Tungur Knivur" and "Worldchanger" are songs fans of melodic metal live and breathe for. The material is incredibly even and most songs are of excellent quality. This album has it all, ranging from AOR to Melodic Metal to almost thrash. Yes, on Worldchanger Lande does his heaviest song yet titled "Bless The Child," which is almost crossing thrash territory, yet maintaining high focus on melody. Lande once again delivers the goods on vocals and perhaps his best performance so far. And for those thinking he's just another Coverdale clone, please, on Worldchanger Lande proves yet again to be so much more than just that.

Adding crystal clear production & mix by Lande & Tommy Hansen, Worldchanger is another highlight of the year. Also worth noticing is that this album probably has the best production by any Frontiers/Now and Then album ever. What can I say? Fans if Jørn's solo material or his other projects need to get this CD immediately as it is another highlight of this young man's career. After being blown away by this CD I sit back with one question - what will be next?

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]

Tracklisting:
Tungur Knivur (6:17) / Sunset Station (4:30) / Glow In The Dark (4:38) / House Of Cards (4:57) / Bless The Child (4:41) / Captured (4:08) / Worldchanger (4:51) / Christine (2:54) / Bridges Will Burn (5:33)

Musicians:
Jørn Lande - vocals
Tore Moren - guitars
Sid Ringsby - bass
Jan "Hellhammer" Aksel - drums

Discography:
Starfire (2000)
Worldchanger (2001)
Out To Every Nation (2004)
The Duke (2006)
The Gathering (2007)
Unlocking The Past (2007)
Live In America (2007)
Lonely Are The Brave (2008)
Spirit Black (2009)
Dukebox (2009)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin NO

Added: December 28th 2004
Reviewer: Bjørnar Bevolden
Score:
Artist website: www.jornlande.com
Hits: 2438
Language: english