Great album…kinda sounds like Magnum at their peak. We take a look at one of this year’s most promising rock albums yet.
Odd isn’t it how things stick in your mind but after listening to opening track ‘The War Has Begun’ I was convinced it was an old Magnum classic from the ‘Wings of Heaven’ era. Now I’m not sure what you think, but to me that is a very good thing. That sort of classy, grandiose, spirited and uplifting Hard Rock is timeless.
Of course it isn’t Magnum but Nordic Union is a project which does exactly what its name suggests, bringing together two generations of the Scandinavian melodic hard rock scene – in the form of Pretty Maids vocalist Ronnie Atkins and Eric Martensson (Eclipse/W.E.T/Age Sten Nilsen’s Ammunition).
And boy does this one hit it out of the park! Martensson’s song writing shines and is heavier than in his band Eclipse, more grand, more wide-ranging and somehow grittier – it’s the perfect background for Atkins’ voice.
Full of fames and fire, yet at times comforting and warm this is an album full of massive melodies, big biting riffs and rock solid rhythms which at times it just sweeps you away with its relentless pace.
It’s hard here to pick the standouts as they all seem remarkably well-build and stand taller with each listen, but if forced that opener ‘The War has Begun’ along with the sweeping melodies of ‘Hypocrisy’ and the impossibly catchy ‘The Other Side’ just about edge it.
I think out of all the albums I’ve heard this year this is the one I’d most like to see performed ‘live’ and that’s a mighty big call. Amazing.
TRACKLIST
The War Has Begun
Hypocrisy
Wide Awake
Every Heartbeat
When Death Is Calling
21 Guns
Falling
The Other Side
Point of No Return
True Love Awaits You
Go
