Solo escapades from Narnia's axeman!

  GRIMMARK (2007) RIVEL

Carl Johan Grimmark is a name that any self respecting metalhead should know. From his main band, Narnia, to his involvement in Savior Machine and Rob Rock's band, this axeman has built a reputation to be proud of. And now he has found the time to release his first solo album. Simply entitled 'Grimmark', this albums is just what you'd expect from a guitar-driven solo effort. Nothing here sounds particularly reminiscent as any of his other bands, but rather a mix of everything and nothing. Just don't expect a bunch of instrumental noodeling tracks. No, this is real melodic metal, with Carl Johan also doubling as a singer, bass-player and keyboard-player. He really has a more then sufficient voice, not extraordinary perhaps, but more then enough to pull this of. The songs are, as said, guitar-driven. But with a lot less wankery then you might have expected from a guitar slinger of Grimmark's caliber. He does deliver some tasty solos here and there, but mostly this album is about the songs. And with help from the drummer from Darkane, and the bass-player from Masterplan, Grimmark has delivered a fine firstborn. Now, I'm not blown away by anything here. But I enjoy listening to the CD, and it will return to the player every so often in the future also.

Killer tracks: Pray, Free, Resurrection, The Kingdom

Carl Johan Grimmark guest appearances:

Sanctifica - 'Negative B'

Rob Rock - 'Eyes Of Eternity'

Divinefire - 'Glory Thy Name'

Divinefire - 'Hero'

Divinefire - 'Into A New Dimension'

Audiovision - 'The Calling'

Related artists:

Narnia, Saviour Machine, Rob Rock, Masterplan, Flagship