Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Jorn - The Duke - 2006 - Candlelight Records

Track Listing1. We Brought The Angels Down 2. Blacksong 3. Stormcrow 4. End Of Time 5. Duke Of Love 6. Burning Chains 7. After The Dying 8. Midnight Madness 9. Are You Ready 10. Starfire

The voice of Masterplan returns with his third solo venture, this time returning in grand style with "The Duke", a truly heartfelt attempt at commercial rock. Fans of Jorn Lande's previous works with Ark and Masterplan should find this album an accessible and easy to like installment in the Jorn discography. My first listen to Jorn was on the "Aeronautics" album from Masterplan and I was immediately mesmerized by his distinct voice and hard rock persona. Often enough Jorn comes across as this decade's David Coverdale, expressing those emotional, sweaty rock passages that move and sway with '80s rattle-and-roll. On the last solo ventue, "Out To Every Nation", I found Jorn's songwriting and style very inspirational and moving. His ability to bring out the positive in every bad situation really hit home for me. In some ways I was hoping for that style of songwriting again with this new outing. Instead we see Jorn exhibiting a slightly darker side from his usual forays. Opener "We Brought The Angels Down" is an obvious stance on religion and warring factions. The same sort of changing of the guard can be heard on "Blacksong", a huge groove oriented track that really rips and roars with some blazing intensity and speed while still showcasing that new dark element. "Duke Of Love" and "Midnight Madness" set things back on the rockin' rollercoaster, always lifting spirits with the spirit of rock and roll soul. Highlight for me is the well done cover of Lizzy's "Are You Ready". Another solid effort from rock's newest ICON.



--EC 04.11.06