Reviews, February 21, 2002


Timo Tolkki
Hymn to Life
(Nuclear Blast)


Solo album from Stratovarius guitar-player Timo Tolkki. If you expect the songs to sound like his ordinary band, then forget it!

 This is mostly pop with some great melodies. The album contains mostly slow songs, sung by Timo himself, but they are made with passion and feeling.

 Guest vocalists Michael Kiske (legendary former Helloween vocalist) and Sharon Den Adel does great work on their contributions. Kiske sings on »Key To The Universe«, which has got to be one of the best songs I have heard in 2002.

MÅRRE

 

 

Wolf
Black Wings
(No Fashion/MNW)


Great second from album from Swedish heavy metallists Wolf.

 Traditional metal in the vein of Iron Maiden and Mercyful Fate music wise and vocal wise like some mix between Rob Halford (ex-Judas Priest) and Andi Deris (former Pink Cream 69/current Helloween singer), but without the highest screams. Lots of huge Maiden-riffs, but with more power and attitude.

 The music is not original at all, but it is very well performed and Wolf seems to really love the music they are playing. Highlights being »Night Stalker«, »Demon Bell« and »The Curse«. The CD ends with a very good version of the Mercyful Fate-classic »A Dangerous Meeting«.

 All in all, it is well recommended for all fans of heavy metal the way it was played during the 1980's.

 Play it loud and check them out live!

MÅRRE

 
   
   



  


Blind Guardian
A Night At The Opera
(Virgin)


Blind Guardian. When you hear that name you set your hopes and expect a real quality product.

 »A Night At The Opera« is a good album. Quite hard to get into because of all complex arrangements, and the songs doesn't really stand out from each other.

 It is hard to find a real favourite - you find a line or two here and there that stick, but not an entire song.

 Blind Guardian seems to have had too much time in the studio - sometimes the big arrangements are just too much.

 Anyway, it's an album worth hearing.

MÅRRE

 

 
 

The Quill
Voodoo Caravan
(SPV/Steamhammer/
Skiva)


The third album by Swedish rockers The Quill sounds a lot like Soundgarden during the »Badmotorfinger« era, both vocally and musically.

 Most of the songs are really heavy and groovy. Some includes acoustical parts to fill out the sound. The difference between the songs aren't that big, but the songs sound really good one by one.

 The highlight is probably the slow »Until Earth Is Bitter Gone«, with it's sometimes Alice In Chains-esque sound.

 The references being grunge bands, but The Quill are not a grunge band, they are a cool, heavy, rock band with great riffs and a good singer. Check them out!

MÅRRE