 ALLEN
* LANDE
The Battle
Frontiers Records 2005
www.frontiers.it
What’s the 4-1-1?
Symphony X vocalist Russell Allen & Masterplan vocalist Jorn
Lande join forces to deliver a melodic metal powerhouse written by
guitar European sensation Magnus Karlsson.
Genre
Melodic rock / metal / hard rock
The Good
Soft piano and warm strings start things off on the “The Battle”,
but that’s just the calm before the storm of guitar licks kick in. One
could say this track in reminiscent of Allen’s Symphony X material due
to its use of keyboards and meaty guitar riffs. The harmonized chorus is both
catchy and inspiring. The song’s not about the struggles of war, but the
constant struggles of love. The solo is a guitar lovers dream. The riffs are
heavier, the guitar wails are more piercing, and the vocals are more emotional
on “Hunter’s Night”. Lande establishes himself as the purveyor
of the melodic highs, while Allen covers the melodic lows. Guitarist Magnus Karlsson
flexes his melodic guitar chops on “Wish for a Miracle” with some
impressive runs.
“Reach a Little Longer” has a great emotional arrangement.
Things start off with piano and one vocalist. As the bridge comes in, so does
the other vocalist. The chorus is also doubled up by the two vocal powerhouses.
The last chorus kicks things up a notch with energy and guitar showmanship. “My
Own Way” is a powerful anthem that stacks riff after riff after riff. Allen
and Lande compliment each other on the over-the-top chorus. “Silent Rage” employs
a riff and tone similar to classic Dokken, but our two vocals bury Don Dokken
in the tonality department. “Where Have All the Angels Gone” is the
best representation of what great AOR/melodic rock sounds like.
The Bad
Nothing
The Verdict
I could go on and on about how great this album is, but you’re just going
to have to listen for yourself. The Battle is the pinnacle of melodic rock
and metal. Instead of going head to head, Lande and Allen join forces to do
battle against boring and uninspiring music. Our new melodic heroes come out
on top.
Did You Know?
Jorn Lande has fronted Millenium, Mundanus Imperium, Ark, and The Snakes.
Rating:  out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Symphony X - The Odyssey
Russel Allen - Atomic Soul
Masterplan - S/T
Millenium - The Best Of...and Beyond
--George Dionne
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