CD REVIEW: DRACULA - SWING OF DEATH by Jorn Lande & Trond Holter

DRACULA - SWING OF DEATH 
by Jorn Lande & Trond Holter  
(Frontier Records)

Considered by many fans and critics as one of the finest voices in Hard Rock, Jorn Lande  along with guitarist Trond Holter unleash upon the world the exciting concept album inspired by the life of Count Vlad the III, Prince of Wallachia, widely known as Vlad, The Impaler or by his birth name Vlad Dracula with. 'DRACULA - Swing Of Death' also features, Bernt Jansen (bass), Per Morten Bergseth (drums) and Lena Fløitmoen (vocals). This is not your typical rock opera, no narratives or over bearing instrumentals. Instead, it gets to the meat and potatoes of its diverse musical landscapes laced with dark catchy and melodic songs that have commercial radio potential. Focusing on  the inner struggle inside the character of Dracula while taking into account some of the metaphysical aspects that passed into literature, forming the whole basis of the vampire legend. "Hands Of God", opens the album and sets the stage with its medieval sinister vibe.  Next up is the epic, "Walking On Water", a rocker of a song powered by Jorn' s powerful vocal delivery laced with Trond Holter' s wicked guitar riffs. The title track has that Vaudeville swing and sway with a Meat Loaf meets Queen vibe. The mood swings dark with "Masquerade Ball", highlighted by Jorn Lande' s menacing vocal delivery. Other highlights include;  "Save Me", "River Of Tears" and  "True Love Through Blood". The musicianship is tight, the production is pristine and of course Jorn Lande sounds incredible. 'DRACULA Swing of Death' is a powerful concept album to listen to. It turns a horror story into epic heroism...but...listen carefully, that heroism is lined with a dark sinister edge! Pick this one up for a new musical twist tale about the timeless Dracula! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine