Customer Reviews

Rethroned

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

 

 

Finally, you get a good feel of Marco's vocal talent; and Nikko's rendition of "Nothin' Compares to you " is absoluetly perfect, it is no doubt one of the best vocal preformances I have ever heard. With all due respect to O'Connor, this version is far superior. The setback perhaps are the attempts at pop and mellow songs that, althogh improve with the orchestration; are not particularly suited to the four's unique Arctic voice and style. All in all, I would highly recommend this album, and I can't wait for a DVD from a live performance.

Recently I bought this album along with their album "Reborn" for my husband. All I can say is that he could not be happier and I am really enjoying them as well. The deep symphonic heavy metal treatment of theses songs has breathed new live into old favorites and even has, as my husband put it, "made songs I did not even like sound great." We both have found songs on this album where the Northern Kings have done covers that we enjoyed even more than the original version preformed by the original artists. On other songs the Northern Kings have created new flavors to the songs, while not always better, that will appeal to new areas on taste. In both cases what they have done at worst could be called interesting and in the vast majority of the songs will be called great metal music.

Northern Kings is a symphonic metal cover band that consists of Jarkko Ahola (Terasbetoni), Marco Hietala (Nightwish, Tarot), Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica), and Juha-Pekka Leppaluoto (Charon). These four "kings" represent some of the best of modern Finnish symphonic metal, and their second album, Rethroned, set out to prove it.

A considerable improvement over their previous album, Reborn, Rethroned is a collection of 80s and 90s cover songs that have been amped up with metal. Admittedly, my initial interest in this band was due to Hietala's involvement. I've always liked his voice and thought that he was a wonderful addition to Nightwish.

The musical talent of these four powerhouse musicians is almost too overwhelming for the album, however. While the covers of A-ha's "Take On Me," Duran Duran's "A View to a Kill," and Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead Or Alive" definitely add to the originals and pays adequate tribute to them, a few of the songs don't work as well. For example, it seems that whenever the quartet decided to adapt slower, pop-oriented songs, such as Seal's "Kiss From A Rose" and Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Can Compare to U," it tends to fall flat on its face. I could hardly force myself to listen to these two songs because it made my ears hurt -and I wasn't even a big fan of the originals.

I was most surprised by the inclusion of "I Should Be So Lucky" by Kylie Minogue. Out of all the songs being covered, this selection was the most random and, frankly -it freaked me out. Most of the song consists of overbearing vocals and detached music that seems to have little in common with the vocals. Sadly, the more fast paced ending couldn't make up for this song's completely off-the-wall sound.

Overall, I wouldn't say that this is a bad attempt. However, it does seem like the best results come about when Hietala and co. stick to covering songs that already have some connection to their genre of music or are classic rock songs -with the exception of "Take On Me." I've always been in love with the original version of this song, and was very happy when I heard the cover. I think it's the best song on the album.

I really hope these guys can pull out all the stops for their next album. I honestly think they have the potential to create wonderful music because their concept and talent is very strong, but all of that still needs time to mesh together.

Northern Kings- long haired, metal-act vocalists, covering 80s tunes. Brilliant! It's a chance to let us hear the other side of the growls. Love it!

Alright, alright, I know this isn't a first album, and goodness sake, I get that it's *ahem* "Butchering an otherwise wonderful 80's and early 90's tune". Let's be perfectly honest. This album rocks! It's a collection of metal's megastars, being goofy and having fun. Wanting to give their artistic nods to greats like Journey and Billy Idol. I know, I know, I can hear you saying now, "But it sucks compared to the originals", and I appreciate your thoughts on this, but you should let it go. Why can't they both equally be great? It's the same awesomeness of Take On Me, with a little symphonic metal. Now, I will admit this album doesn't match up to Rethroned, but still has it's place on your track list. Even if you're not a huge of metal, buy a track of your favorite song, and give it a chance. I like the album, and I love the band. I'm really hoping to see more from them.

I was greatly looking forward to owning and listening to this CD. Once I bought it and listened to it I wish I could have given it back. With all the great names I expected a whole lot more. I was looking for original material and ended up with a lot of something else. If you want examples of good symphonic metal do NOT start with this album. Lady D.