(Symphonic Power Metal) [CD] Northern Kings - Reborn (Japanese Edition) - 2007, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Seeing we didn't review this band and considering it a serious omission, I decided to review the first album from this talented bunch this week (even though I prefer their second one). Northern Kings is a Finnish Symphonic Metal Cover Supergroup. though I'm inclined to say right here and right now that it's probably the best cover band in the history of heavy metal ! Its members are Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica), Marco Hietala (Nightwish / Tarot), Juha-Pekka Leppäluoto (Charon), Jarkko Ahola (Teräsbetoni / ex Dreamtale). Their concept is pretty simple, they cover songs from different styles and eras, into glorious Symphonic Metal with a sound that will blow any Symphonic Metal (the term isn't used lightly here) fans away.

The particularity of this supergroup, all members are singers, therefore their albums are layered with very different vocals, they sometimes each tackle a single song (or are dominant in one), or they sing on different passages of the songs. The overall result is sure both original and jaw dropping in the production department. Albums are produced on the same level as the last 2-3 Nightwish albums, to give you an idea of the power behind these songs and their sound. The albums kicks out with Don't Stop Believing (Journey). What a way to start the album, the cover is powerful, cranking up the drum speed and guitar/keys mini solos, great vocals and amazing orchestration. One thing you must understand about Northern Kings, they don't just cover a song, they try to IMPROVE it in pretty much every possible way, often WIPING THE FLOOR with the original (but not always, there are a few duds and peculiar decisions from time to time) ! After two songs in Reborn you'll understand what I mean. The second song to receive the treatment is We Don't Need Another Hero (Tina Turner). This cover is a perfect example of all singers chipping in their part. The song is bombastic and again the orchestrations add a layer to the songs that cannot be explained, just experienced. I will list the songs that are present after the second track, and only talk about a couple more of my favorites otherwise this review will transform into the pachidermic multi-paragraphs deliveries I'm actually trying to avoid lately. 3. Take These Broken Wings (Mr. Mister), 4. Rebel Yell (Billy Idol), 5. Ashes to Ashes (David Bowie), 6. Fallen on Hard Times (Jethro Tull), 7. I Just Died in your Arms Tonight (Cutting Crew), 8. Sledgehammer (Peter Gabriel), 9. Don't Bring Me Down (Electric Light Orchestra), 10. In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins), 11. Creep (RadioHead), 12. Hello (Lionel Ritchie) & 13. Brothers in Arms (Dire Straits). As you can see it's a varied bunch of very well songs. I particularly appreciated Take These Broken Wings, Died in your Arms Tonight, Don't Bring Me Down & Hello. What I like most about Northern Kings is the variety of vocals present, most of them of incredible talent, there are times and moments I wonder why a specific choice or that type of voice was chosen, but overall I the vocals are extremely good. I have to admit my favorite vocals often come from Tony Kakko, as I have an affinity with his vocals (being a Sonata Arctica fan) and he is the one I know the best from the four singers. The production is spotless, grandiose, symphonic and orchestral all the way, the guitars are great as well even if they rarely take the spotlight. The overall sound is simply bombastic and grandiose !

If you want to listen to amazing and original covers that usually required a lot of composition/tweaking over the original material, I urge you to listen to Northern King. They have a second cover album out from 2008, which I find it far superior than Reborn (it might also be that I like the choice of source material better), and that is no small feat ! There are some missteps here and there, some covers are absolutely mind blowing where others miss the mark a little (SledgeHammer, In The Air Tonight), or entirely (Rebel Yell) depending on your own tastes. But this slab of symphonic metal cover is mostly awesome. If you never heard them, now would be a good time (though I'd recommend Rethroned) ! It's been more than three years since Northern King latest cover album (I believe they covered a Finnish eurovision song as a single since then), so I hope they haven't decided to call it quits, especially that they had announced the third album would also contain original material (I'm interested in that though I love the concept of grandiose bombastic symphonic covers) ! At the end of the day, when I want to listen to great metal covers, I always end up putting Northern Kings in my CD deck. Somehow I'm glad to not have to quote this slab, it would be a difficult task, probably cause I'm not a fan of many songs that this CD covers in the first place. Though it helped me appreciate some I knew a little and love listening covered so beautifully. A great (definitely my favorite) cover band, one I hope will continue churning out albums for years to come !

Marco Hietala - Vocals
Tony Kakko - Vocals
Jarkko Ahola - Vocals
Juha-Pekka Leppäluoto - Vocals

Vili Ollila - Piano, Keyboards, Programming
Erkka Korhonen - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Erkki Silvennoinen - Bass
Anssi Nykanen, Sami Osala - Drums