JORN „Lonely Are The Brave”

Music: Heavy Metal
Country: Sweden
Website: www.jornlande.com
Duration: 54:53


Cool Songs: “Lonely Are The Brave,” “Inner Road,” “Hellfire,” “Man of the Dark”

This album’s been out for some months now, but nobody seems to have really noticed it. The long and short of Jorn’s “Lonely Are The Brave” is it’s a throwback to everything Dio. There’s even a part on the chorus of “Promises” that’s lifted from “The Last In Line.” So if you miss the old goat, Jorn is the clone you run to.

Right at the opening title track, the song “Lonely Are The Brave” is all beefy riffs and Jorn Lande’s favorite lyric: “Oooohhhh…” Yes, it’s a throaty moan.

Here’s his second favorite: “Yeaaahhhh…”

Want to know his third?
“Ooohhh yeaaaaaahhh…”

Seriously now, these three utterisms comprise a significant chunk of Mr. Lande’s vocals and are heard throughout his latest opus. But give the man a break. He’s just passionate about rock n’ roll. And about rock n’ roll…hmmm, it seems to be the main focal point of the album because the phrase itself recurs on several songs. Jorn apparently likes staying close to his Dio roots since old man Dio himself liberally used the phrase “rock n’ roll” throughout his self-named discography.

Alright, substance…this review needs more substance…namely the good and bad in what’s probably the hundredth album Jorn Lande sings on. (You gotta give him credit for having such a grueling work ethic.) The good is, if you love your Heavy Metal loud and epic without relying on fake orchestration or keyboards, “Lonely Are The Brave” will make your day. It brings back the old school decked out in clear production, tons of melody, and imaginative songwriting. Humongous guitar solos are also found somewhere in the mix, and when you catch ‘em, it’s a rare pleasure.

What’s the bad then? It just sounds so freakin’ much like Dio. The way Jorn sings, the guitars, the songs themselves. Dio, Dio, Dio. If you have a problem with this then stay clear of “Lonely…” However, if it isn’t a big deal then let the album dominate your playlist.

Don’t be discouraged by the critical barbs this review is throwing around though. For those whose metal fetish leans on grandiose, stadium anthems, the five warm bodies behind the band Jorn are master craftsmen catering to your every desire. Just try the excellent fist raisers “War Of The World,” “Man Of The Dark,” “Inner Road,” and the stomping “Like A Stone In Water.” Another plus—inside the album is a tracklist devoid of any power ballad ala Scorpions or Metallica, meaning it’s one rough and pounding hour-long ride.

“Lonely Are The Brave” won’t be dug by everyone, yet out there are lost souls dying to hear this kind of album. To those people—behold, your salvation.

note: 7/10

Tracklist

1. Lonely Are The Brave
2. Night City
3. War of the World
4. Shadow People
5. Soul of the Wind
6. Man of the Dark
7. Promises
8. Inner Road
9. Hellfire
10. Stormbringer (bonus)
11. Like A Stone In Water (bonus)

Line-up

Jorn Lande- Vocals
Jorn Lofstad- Guitars
Tore Moren- Guitars
Morty Black- Bass
Willy Benediksson- Drums