Jorn: Life on Death Road (Frontiers)

Remember when we used to get really excited about a new Jorn album? Back before the endless covers and Dracula rock operas, a new Jorn album was a really big deal. Well, Alessandro Del Vecchio remembers. The keyboardist and house songwriter for the Frontiers label seems to have been determined to make Jorn great again. To that end he assembled the best supporting lineup we’ve seen on a Jorn album since…ever. On guitars: Alex Beyrodt (Primal Fear, Voodoo Circle, Silent Force). On bass: Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Voodoo Circle, Sinner). On drums: Francesco Jovino (Primal Fear/Voodoo Circle). And completing the Voodoo Circle connection: Del Vecchio himself on keys and co-producing. Firewind guitarist Gus G. even lends his talents to a few tracks.

If that lineup doesn’t get your interests up, nothing will. Half of Primal Fear (and 4/5 of Voodoo Circle) backing one of metal’s best frontmen? Count me in. Not surprisingly, everyone involved stepped up and delivered the best Jorn album in a decade. It’s called Life on Death Road, and it has everything you want in a Jorn release. It’s halfway between hard rock and heavy metal, and all the songs are satisfyingly melodic and crunchy. Yes, there’s a Primal Fear vibe to a few of these songs, and man “Fire to the Sun” could fit easily on a new Voodoo Circle album, but that Jorn spirit shines through. And, you know, those vocals. Jorn still sounds amazing and tells his story with every song.

Life on Death Road is the perfect album for Jorn fans who just haven’t been felling it lately. No covers, no songs about/for Dio (we miss him too, but damn); just a dozen kickass melodic metal tunes with great vocals, first class musicians and expert production. Here’s hoping Jorn can keep this lineup around for future releases. And perhaps a live Blu-ray? I have to think this group would deliver one hell of a performance on stage together.