JORN - The Duke

JORN
The Duke
Candlelight Records USA
8/10





First off, let us please not brand the overall sound of Jorn as being power metal. Finding foundation in the traditional metal of the eighties, Jorn’s The Duke is much more akin to the works of Dio, Whitesnake and Axel Rudi Pell than it is to what is generally accepted as power metal — Blind Guardian, Nocturnal Rites and Angra.

With the mountainous experience of Jorn making all of the difference on this particular record, fans are treated to a solid display of mid-tempo metal anthems and power ballads. Jorn betrays a considerable David Coverdale influence on the magnetic “Blacksong”, a cut where the vocalist’s power and strength lift the chugging backdrop to stellar heights. A steamy Zakk Wylde-style solo graces this powerful cut, which is also enourmously noteworthy for it’s intently dramatic arrangement.

A moving bridge provides depth and the song’s squealing, gloomy outro gives the track a surprisingly muscular exit. If you can imagine both Jon Sykes and the aforementioned Mr. Wylde tearing it up in tandem with Coverdale out front, “Stormcrow” comes into proper perspective. Hear the album’s title track for a distinctly convincing dose of sexual bravado. Although some critics may find this sort of approach to be overtly retro, Lande is factually as skilled at this sort of material as anyone going.

Other influences such as Lou Gramm are revealed during the stellar rocker “End Of Time.” Although themes of fast living and romance are interjected into the mix, the band’s music isn’t overly dated and the cheese factor is virtually zero. Lande and his bunch not only have mastered this particular style, the group’s execution is as forthrightly compelling as any other artist that’s attempted to achieve this swaggering, testosterone-fueled form of hard rocking heavy metal.

Written By: Whiskey Puss