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Band Name: Norther
Album Name: N
Rating: 4 / 5 User Rating: 3.7 / 5
Label: Century Media
Buy Album: Amazon.com
Rate Album: Rate
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Tracklist
1. My Antichrist
2. Frozen Angel
3. Down
4. To Hell
5. Savior
6. Black Gold
7. We Rock
8. Always & Never
9. Tell Me Why
10. If You Go
11. Self-Righteous Fuck
12. Forever And Ever
13. Sabotage [Japanese bonus]
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Norther are a band with whom I've been vaguely familiar with for a long time. Along with fellow Finns Kalmah, they have a general reputation as being somewhat of a less-popular Children of Bodom clone. Upon listening to this album, I have to say that that reputation could not be further from the truth. Sure, there are similarities here and there - it's not like they are from different planets. Norther absolutely have their own unique flavor, however.
The biggest and most immediate difference between the two bands lies in the vocals. While you will never EVER hear clean vocals from Children of Bodom, they are quite prominent on this disc, and are quite spectacular. Also, while Bodom have generally moved on to a more thrash-heavy sound, Norther is still very much a power metal band. The music here has that inspiring power metal quality throughout that basically forces you out of your seat to face whatever challenges face you in everyday life.
As for the subset of you who might dismiss Norther as "just another keyboard band," I recommend that you rethink your prejudice. While the keyboards are unmistakably there, they largely take a back seat to the good old guitar, but inevitably add a greater sense of atmosphere. Their use is perfectly balanced.
The lyrics on "N" are also much more thoughtful and creative than those recently penned by Bodom. They are not as bull-headed and confrontational, but more introspective and thoughtful.
The primary stand-out tracks on the album are definitely the first two. "My Antichrist," which opens the LP, grabs the listener from the get-go with a bizarre guitar tone centered around a killer riff and slowly building keyboards in the background, eventually building to a fantastic chorus where Norther show off their vocal chops. "Frozen Angel" follows, and it is easy to see why it has already become perhaps the band's most well-known track. It contains hooks for days, a heavy focus on some terrific keyboard leads, and some stunning vocal acrobatics.
Overall, a great album from a band with mountains of potential for success here in the United States now that they have signed to Century Media. I would not be shocked to see these guys headlining tours at some point in the future. I will be certain to obtain their entire back catelogue.
Review by: Quentin Haigh
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