Label Web Site: http://www.afm-records.de/
Band Web Site: http://www.jornlande.com/
Release Date: October 26, 2004
I recall the first time I heard Jorn Lande sing. I had just downloaded ARKs self-titled debut. By the time Where the Winds Blow dropped its final notes in my ears, I was mesmerized. I just had to own this disc! I spent the entire next day hunting it down. Finally, after a 45-minute ride to a music store a few towns away, I was able to lay my greedy mitts on a copy. From that day forward, I snapped up every disc that Jorn sang on, from BEYOND TWILIGHT to his solo CDs. However, since leaving ARK for the much greener, and far less interesting pastures of MASTERPLAN, I havent been quite as enthralled with Mr. Landes work. Perhaps I view his current offerings through the jaded eyes of an ARK fan boy, who yearns for this very capable vocalist not to short change his fans by recording generic Power metal and uninspired Hard Rock. Perhaps However, it could also be that I see these works for exactly what they are; generic and uninspired.
Out to Every Nation begins with Young Forever, a hard rocking, bluesy track with 1985 written all over it. While its not a bad song, its just not all that intriguing. This bluesy approach continues with the title track, which sees the CD slowly wake from its slumber, stretch its arms and offer hope that this disc may reach the level of previous Jorn-fronted projects. Unfortunately, it's only on rare occasions that this CD aspires to be anything more than average.
The overall quality of this offering is helped out immeasurably by the musicians that Jorn hand-picked to back him. Signing on for this assignment are Pagans Mind guitar player Jõrn Viggo Lofstad and Pagans Mind drummer Stian L. Kristoffersen. The two restrain their immense talents to fit seamlessly within the context of Jorns musical vision.
Jorns lyrics come straight from his heart. Regardless of the project hes involved with, his words often plead for humanity to rise to the challenges that lie before us, put aside our differences and create a better world. Though such sentiments have a tendency to come across as sappy, Jorns incredibly emotional delivery lends a sense of sincerity to all that he sings.
For those who have never heard Jorn sing, I would first point out that the real estate market is booming, and that you might consider putting that rock youve been living under up for sale. However, for those who continue to find comfort living in the moist darkness that a well chosen stone can provide, I would offer that Jorn can sound eerily similar to David Coverdale. But make no mistake; Jorn is not a Coverdale clone. His voice and style, though it draws additional influence from Ronnie James Dio and Glenn Hughes, is all his own. He sings with a power, passion and intensity that is rarely heard in any genre.
Overall, Out to Every Nation is inconsistent, and falls well short of its predecessor, Worldchanger. While there are some strong tracks, such as Something Real, Behind the Clown and When Angel Wings Were White (all mid-tempo or ballad), there are an equal number of tracks that just dont make the grade. Out to Every Nation is a solid, albeit unspectacular effort. If youre a fan of Hard Rock or Mr. Landes incredible vocal talents, than I would recommend this CD to you. However, if bluesy, often 80s sounding Hard Rock isnt your thing, you may want to take a pass on this one. If you own nothing that features Jorn on vocals, I would highly recommend starting with either of the two CDs he recorded with ARK.
Rating: 6/10
Reviewer: General Zod
