Customer Reviews

Optimus

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Norum is in charge of the mike on this one and certainly in charge of his guitar. Even UK magazine Classic Rock liked this one and they (fairly enough) have panned some of his other releases.

The guitar work here is thundering and heavy. But in a 70's kind of way. Which makes sense since John grew up in that environment. But... well I'm sort of lost for words in the about turn this guy has achieved with this album. I can't give it five stars as it does drone a little, but the riffs here would be worth three stars even if the album was marred by Norums usually crap lyrics. And that isn't the case here. And listening to the latest Europe album, the guy took this new found heavy riff style into that band too, which can only be an improvement.

Anyone who liked the new Europe album should get this. Anyone who didn't like the new Europe album also should probably get this!

I recently came across this cd in a used shop, and was very happy to pick it up. I have been a big fan of John's for many years. I have all of his previous solo efforts and enjoy all of them. While I think John Norum is an exceptionally talented guitarist and songwriter, I really can't give this disc a favorable review. I have a few issues with it. First off the disc is extremely short. Ten songs clocking in at a total time of 37:52 is really unacceptable in this day and age of cd technology. Of the ten tracks, two are instrumental, which leaves only eight vocal tracks. Once I get past the short running time, my biggest issue it the drop-tuning guitar sound that John is using these days. It is also present on his last solo disc Slipped into Tomorrow. At times some of the tracks almost start to sound like Zak Wylde's BLS work. I find that rather strange as Norum comes from the European culture of rock/metal. This is an area where "traditional metal" is considered to still be doing well, and not having to update itself to more modern sounds. I again cite Norum's Thin Lizzy influence, which is nowhere to be found on this disc. Lizzy is long considered to be a pillar of classic European hard rock/metal.
My other issue is the same as was previously noted. John's vocals are passable, but he would benefit from using a guest vocalist who could have improved these tracks. I think John's first two solo albums are his best work. 1992's Face the Truth is simply fantasic.
In conclusion, there are a couple of decent tracks on here, such as Takin' the Blame and Time to Run. I am sure fans of John Norum will seek this disc out, no matter what reviews it recieves. I would encourage all fans to pick it up and form their own opinions, but in my humble opinion, I find it the least essential of his solo work.

I love the album what can I say. It's less melodic than his europe fair, but it certainly isn't metal either. John's voice is deep & raging which fits the style of music. You can read into the lyrics however you want, but it isn't bubblegum fluff & he is no pop star. Norum plays the guitar hard, melodic & heavy!

He has put out some very good solo work but this one disappoints. He really needs to beef up the writing, and find at least a part-time vocalist. He doesn't have the pipes to carry an entire cd, so he should recruit a vocalist for 4-5 cuts, or get a full-time singer as he did with Glenn Hughes. The solos are not up to his standards either.

John Norum's "Optimus" is a an incendiary cocktail that burns,
without variation, into a symphonious burst of poetic expressions. The guitar work is consistent and pleasantly harsh, from beginning to end and the songs are even more interesting as they are stressed by John's ferocious and turbulent vocals.

This album is -required by rule- for people that enjoy his work and it is a great place to start for new listeners interested or curious about his music.

"Optimum" creation!