Norwegian heavy metal, fronted by Norway's Zakk Wylde, Tore Morén. He started the band in 1999, with a vision of creating a raw metal band, with great melodies, played by skilled musicians.
JUDAS (2004) FACEFRONT
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Line-up: Tore Morén - Guitars Michael Eriksen - Vocals Bjarne Torud - Bass Guitar Hellhammer - Drums Guests: Ronni LeTekrĝ - Guitar solo on 4 Nils K.Rue - Vocals on 6 Espen Storĝ - Keyboards on 8 |
Carnivora is a band I was looking forward to hearing. I've had the pleasure of seeing Tore Morén live a few times, and he really is an excellent guitar-player. And when names like Helhammer (Mayhem, Jorn etc.), Ronni LeTekrĝ (TNT, Vagabond) and Nils K.Rue (Pagan's Mind, Silverspoon) appear on the CD, it doesn't exactly loose it's appeal. Too bad then that 'Judas', as their first born is named, only delivers in part. I'm not sure why though, as most of the songs are good on their own. And there is not much bad to be said about the musical delivery, or the production on the album. But as a whole, I'm not entirely convinced. Maybe it lacks more diversity. Still, the songs that are good here, are really good. Just check out the fantastic opener, "The Masters And Their Slaves". You can't get much heavier then that, and still maintaining a definitive melodic hook. I'd recommend this album to any lover of 80's metal, for sure. Expect a pleasant underdog you'll want to visit again, but when the last tune is played, you might not remember most of the songs.
Killer tracks: The Masters And Their Slaves, Judas, Where Innocence End, State Of Fear And Hate
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Line-up: Tore Morén - Guitars Erik Barsleth - Lead & Backing Vocals Bjarne Torud - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals Rune Torgersen - Guitars Truls Haugen - Drums, Guitar-solo on 9, Vocals on 3, Backing Vocals Guests: Michael Eriksen - Vocals on 8 Peter Skari, Mats Haugen, Stig Rock'n Rolfsen, Ĝyvind "Lionheart" Larsen, Jĝrn Viggo Lofstad - Guitar solos on 9 |
It's nice to see that Carnivora are back! Norway needs more of these classic 80's metal acts. They lost their singer to Circus Maximus, but have gained a solid replacement in newcomer Erik Barsleth. Again the music is mostly driven by the guitar-wizardry from Tore. He is truly an unsung hero in the metal world! But of course, even a great player like Tore isn't worth a dime without a killer rhythm section. Hellhammer is out, but you can't exactly go wrong with Truls Haugen either. The album opens with "Life Of Sin", a total party rocker, and something Zakk Wylde would be proud to have on one of his Black Label Society albums. Then the band turn it up a notch, with the heavy-as-a-freight-train, "Deserted Wasteland", probably my favorite track on the album. Man, does this songs come with some killer guitar-work! "Demon In A Pill" is another driving rocker. The same can be said about "Bullet From A Gun". But this song also delivers some more variety and melody. It reminds me a little of the LA sleaze/glam style. "Rain Of Steel" up next. not much more to write about it, it's typical Carnivora. "Sweet Delight" brings me back to LA, while "Deaf Dumb And Blind" keeps me there a while longer. Then something surprising happens. "Essence Of Sorrow starts with a cello/violin intro! Yes, this semi-ballad is actually quite epic, and pretty awesome! The guest appearance from former singer, Michael Eriksen, doesn't exactly hurt either! The album closes with "Burn The Witch", another rocker, but with a twist. Expect axe-slinging from some of the better acts from this country! 'Re-Incarnal' is yet another solid effort from this undiscovered band.
Killer tracks: Life Of Sin, Deserted Wasteland, Essence Of Time
Tore Morén guest appearances:
Extol - 'Synergy'
Jan Axel "Hellhammer" Blomberg guest appearances:
Antestor - 'Det Tapte Liv' & 'The Forsaken'
Related artists:
Circus Maximus, Jorn, Wild Willy's Gang
RE-INCARNAL (2006) FACEFRONT