Make no mistake, Jorn Lande is one of my favorite singers in the metal world today and if you asked me a few years ago I’d say he could do no wrong. But with each album he released I increasingly got the feeling I’ve heard it all before and so when “Spirit Black” hit the shelves I wasn’t really in a hurry to get around to listening to it. Happily, I can say I was wrong but I’m also mad I didn’t get around to listening to it sooner.

“Spirit Black” brings a freshness that has seemed missing from Lande’s solo ventures in the recent past. Opening with title track “Spirit Black” we have a groove that is undeniably Jorn Lande and as soon as his glorious vocals kick in you know you’re in for a treat. The production seems to have been given a makeover this time, as it sounds more natural and airy and not as sterile as the last couple discs. Don’t get me wrong, there was never anything wrong with the production on the previous discs but this time around it sounds a notch beefier and it certainly bodes well for the record as a whole.

Track after track you get what you expect from Lande but it sounds fresh again. The record as a whole feels more melodic also and I sense a little more detail to the song was paid this time around.

Highlights include “Road Of The Cross”, “The Last Revolution”, “City Inbetween”, the classic rock sounding “Burn Your Flame” and what may be one of my songs of the year “World Gone Mad”. The tune has an undeniable THIN LIZZY feel and I find myself hitting the repeat button whenever this tune comes along on my CD player or iPod. And as an added bonus track we get an actual LIZZY tune with “The Sun Goes Down.” This is available on the limited edition first pressing from Frontiers.

Bottom line; we all know who Jorn Lande is and what he’s done in the past but if you like any of his past efforts then there is no doubt that “Spirit Black” will head to the top of his impressive list of work for many. It has for me!

Check it out!