Classic heavy metal with a twist. These guys are from Norway, and must not be confused with the more known US band with the same name.

WASTELAND SERENADES (2000) SEASON OF MIST

How I could have missed this bands debut, is a mystery. Griffin started out with a blast. They have a good sound on this album, and I just love the guitar-parts. The overall feel is not as good as on their next release, but a band is supposed to get better and better, right? The only problem I have with this release, is the vocals. I didn't mind it that much on 'The Sideshow', but here the voice doesn't do all the songs justice. This kind of metal is just better with a more melodic voice, in my opinion. But don't let this minor thing stop anyone from checking this album out, as it is still a good metal disc!

Killer tracks: The Usurper, Spite Keeps Me Silent, Always Closing

THE SIDESHOW (2002) SEASON OF MIST

Very seldom do you discover a new band that just takes you by surprise. You have no preconceived notions, and the whole experience just blows you away. The Norwegian band Griffin, were such a band for me. They play heavy metal with classic metal features such as twin guitar-solos, and harmony vocals. But this band does it just a little bit different. Their vocalist sings in a more thrash-/power metal style, and this combination makes this band stand out in the crowd. Picture a mix of Annihilator, Iron Maiden and Testament, whereas the first 2 are the instrumental comparison, and the last meant to describe the vocals. I find this album to be very intriguing, and fresh sounding. These guys are not reinventing the genre, but rather using it in a way that makes them interesting. The musicianship is great, and especially the guitar work makes me grin with delight. I am usually not a big fan of instrumentals, and there are a couple of them on this record, but even those didn't bother me one bit. In fact, the beautiful "The Last Rays Of A Dying Sun" is one of the best tracks on the CD. If you are looking for a new metal experience, I would recommend you to check out 'The Sideshow'. 

Killer tracks: Shadows Of Deception, The Last Rays Of A Dying Sun, What If?, Today's Castaway

NO HOLDS BARRED (2003) FACEFRONT/SPIRITUAL BEAST (Japanese version)

I raised the flag pretty high for Griffin's last effort. Some things have changed since then. First they replaced their vocalist. Then they changed record company. And finally; they got even better! Man, the feeling of putting on this album was incredible. Classic heavy metal just doesn't get made this way any more. Dual guitar harmonies, clean yet harmonized vocals, and pummeling bass and drum work! The music is a mix of classic heavy metal and thrash/speed metal. But the vocals add the feeling of classic hard rock acts to the music. Pete is almost a dead ringer for the late Phil Lynott. And what a blend it all makes. Rooted in the classic, yet creating something unique. I hope this band gets a worldwide distribution, and FAST! All the world's metalheads need to hear this. Definitely one of the best 5 albums of 2003! "Praise The Rain" and "Weightless" are worth the price alone. But I change favorites on this one all the time. I don't think I'll ever grow tired of it.

I was lucky enough to win the Japanese edition of 'No Hold Barred' in a competition at heavymetal.no. So now I'm one lucky Griffin fan, 'cause this version holds 2 extra live tracks, and a video-clip for "The Sentence".

Killer tracks: All of them.

LIFEFORCE (2005) MASSACRE

Griffin are back with a new CD. Last year vocalist Peter left the band due to health circumstances after his heart attack. But luckily he came back, and can now again be heard on 'Lifeforce'. None other than Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) mixed and mastered this album, and he did a killer job. The guys from Trondheim have moved their musical approach more towards the classic hardrock sound, and similarities to Thin Lizzy are quite apparent. But make no mistake about it; this is still heavy metal! Kudos to Kai and Marcus too! These guys are definitely the best Norwegian twin-axe attack today! Just listen to tracks like "Rest", "Premonition", "Utopia" and the title-track to be convinced. I have to admit though, that it took me a little while longer to get this CD to crawl in under my skin. But when it entered, it just would not let go! 'Lifeforce' is just as good as 'No Holds Barred', and as a whole it might also be just a tad more consistent. It's about time that the rest of the world discover Griffin. They are a band you can trust to deliver the metal goods! The European edition of this album has the bonus track "Unforgiver" included. The Japanese edition has the music video for "Utopia" as an added bonus. I know have both!

Killer tracks: Again, they are all good

THE ULTIMATE DEMISE (2007) BURNING STAR (CD/DVD)

Few bands have been fighting the uphill battle that Griffin has. Always on the brink of hitting it big, they seem to face new obstacles every time they overcome one. Surviving everything for sickness to members leaving and labels abandoning them, they always seem to come out stronger in the end. 'The Ultimate Demise' is the bands 5th album. And I think it's yet another strong effort from the boys from Trondheim, Norway. The new vocalist, Rolf Bakken, is very good, although he doesn't have that distinct charisma possessed by his predecessor. I also miss the twin guitar attack from Kai and Marcus. Mind you, new lead guitar-player Roar Naustvoll is no slacker either. But sometimes it's not possible to recreate the same magic when a key member leaves. New drummer Alessandro Eide (Manifest) is a monster player, and the band have done well in recruiting him. Musically this is still basic heavy metal. And you will quickly recognize the use of small clips of movie dialogue every now and then. But the Thin Lizzy vibes I got on the last two efforts are gone, mainly due to the loss of Pete. Still, if you like your metal with paint stripping riffs, memorable hooks, blazing leads, and enough dynamics to keep it interesting, you could do far worse then to check out 'The Ultimate Demise'. The album actually grows on you with time. Griffin has once again risen like the phoenix out of the ashes.

Killer tracks: The Ultimate Demise, Down On You, Crown Of Thorns, Ain't Hard To Die, Here Comes The Pain

Johnny Wangberg guest appearances:

Wåttamezz - 'Soulfuel'

Pete Beck guest appearances:

Triosphere - 'Onwards'

Tommy Sebastian guest appearances:

Triosphere - 'Onwards'

Related artists: 

Triosphere, Wåttamezz