Review of Norther - Mirror of Madness

As most Children of Bodom fans know/realize, Hatecrew Deathroll wasn't exactly the same band we came to know, the guys seemed to go and attempt a fair mainstream sound injection into their formula, stripping down a lot of Warmen's keyboards, a more dirtier, fuzzier more downtuned and somewhat simpler guitar style, the complete abolition of neo-classical elements and of course: some electronica. I mention that because listening to this frosty-covered album one can not help but draw comparisons to similar bands such as Children of Bodom, Throne of Chaos, Skyfire, Kalmah and even Eternal Tears of Sorrow. Those that heard Norther's first album or EP know that they share a very similar (if more aggressive and 80's metal & melodic hardrock influenced) style to the Bodom guys. While being their own individual band, they play the same style of Power/Speed metal with a Death/Black-like growl, without being a melodeath band like most of the Finnish and Swedish bands scraping away at the Bodom formula (ala: Kalmah, Mors Principium Est). With Mirror of Madness, I dare say that Norther has continued where Bodom left us, and have topped their piers. Mirror of Madness shows more individuality and persona than "Dreams of Endless War", more aggressive guitar playing, better pronounced vicious vocals by the (much better than laiho) Petri Lindroos, atmospheric but not dominating keyboard playing and a darker tone than usually garnered from most Finnish & Swedish bands taking their shot at this style. One thing I have come to appreciate about Finnish styled Metal as compared to the Swede's that play similar styles is that the Finn's are much better with creating atmosphere, be it in such comparisons of old In Flames compared to old Amorphis, or Insomnium compared to The Forsaken, even in this more upbeat style, the subtle hints of haunted Finnish gloom show up. The duo of Ranta and Lindroos hammer out a solid set of riffs while also being proficient in soloing and writing hooks, though not to the extent of utter wankery of Laiho's solos, which to some might be a relief, as it builds more of a rhythm to the songs instead of relying on leads. The music itself is very guitar-based, which by most metal listeners standards (besides brutal-technical death fans that look more to drumming) is a good thing. The production is itself very clean, while also letting all the instruments and vocals breathe very well on their own, though at times slightly hollow and sterilized in feeling, but never to the point of really detracting from the music itself. One of the albums highlights, the title track "Mirror of Madness" also has a fairly professionally done video of the band wearing about five layers in sweaters out in what I assume is the northern Finnish Ice-Wastes of lappland. Though the songs follow the well known and standard verse-chorus style, none of them are considerably filler, except maybe the cover of The Offspring's "Smash" on the special edition disc, which also includes the instrumental "Frozen Sky", mostly a piano and lead-guitar ballad type thing, not needed, but its a nice end to the album, makes for a good parting shot. Norther have built a very respectable sophmore effort, and a welcome addition to the small group of albums in this style, better in my opinion than either the new Kalmah, Children of Bodom or Skyfire albums. This is a band I hope gets to America, because I feel they would come across sensational live, don't be surprised if Petri Lindroos becomes the new poster-boy of Finnish metal either, the guy seems to come across better than Alexi Laiho in an attempt to be the young guitar-hero/vocalist/playboy. The melody of the album is laid well, dual harmony screams from the guitars around every corner, moving mainly at a mid-fast pace through the course of the album. Overall, Mirror of Madness tops its predecessor easily and is my pick for album of the year in this style so-far, not that they will be getting that much competition any time this year, and Norther already wrote material for their third album, seeming to have tons of brainstorming down already, this is a band on the move, recording album #3 right now, keep an eye out and see if Norther can top themselves again. In a word? Kickass. Best Tracks: Mirror of Madness, Unleash Hell, Blackhearted, Of Darkness and Light

Release Details

Norther

Mirror of Madness

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