Metal Caravans

Genre: Heavy Metal

TRACKLIST:

   1. "We Brought the Angels Down" - 4:29
   2. "Blacksong" - 5:36
   3. "Stormcrow" - 3:44
   4. "End of Time" - 4:16
   5. "Duke of Love" - 4:35
   6. "Burning Chains" - 3:51
   7. "After the Dying" - 4:59
   8. "Midnight Madness" - 4:21
   9. "Are You Ready?"  (Thin Lizzy cover) - 3:06
  10. "Starfire" (2005 version) - 5:26

This album does not have as great of a hit as the OTEN's title track, but the overall writing improved somewhat. Still not on the level of Jorn's first two, however, where almost every song was great and meaningful. But Jorn is not slowing down and releases another album for our enjoyment. Melodic metal, rooted deeply in the 80s, is very pleasing to the ears, and his voice does not show signs of wear. Several tracks stand out: lower-mid-tempo opening "We Brought The Angels Down," rocking "Blacksong" with a great solo and an excellent "hold on..." bridge (comes closest to his early material, reminding me of both Worldchanger and Bridges Will Burn), fast "Stormcrow" (Jorn likes to compare himself to birds: "falling sparrow" in Masterplan, which ornithological specie is next?), and finally "Duke Of Love," an exercise in bragging equaling that of George Thoroughgood. It's funny how Jorn balances songs expressing love for a single woman ("Burning Chains") with an open mating call to all women out there. I must note that all these chicks in the booklet are rather far from pretty. Speaking of the booklet: it's fabulous. One of the most stylish booklets I have seen in recent years. How much does it sound like other Jorn works? I find it to be very similar to the latest Masterplan. In fact, I am quite happy he is out of there now, because I do not see the need for two identical bands, and Jorn would be best off concentrating his writing efforts on his own friggin' band. Two covers at the end: Thin Lizzy's "Are You Ready" (not bad, but I never cared for the original artist) and Jorn's own "Starfire" (I deeply care for the original version, and this one doesn't add anything to it). A good album, not a classic, but a good album nonetheless.