Grand Lux from Norway was formed in early 1999 and are inspired by classic bands such as; Dio, Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest. In late 2004 they released their debut album, “Iron Will” on the Norwegian Sand Records. Early 2006, Grand Lux started to work on songs for a new album and came in contact with Sweden’s Ulterium Records and during summer 2006 a contract was signed.

I’m not familiar with the bands first album so I can’t compare it to this brand new one, titled “Carved in Stone” but if you’re into above mentioned bands I’m sure that you won’t be disappointed with “Carved in Stone”.

We get 10 songs of pure 80’s Heavy Rock and 80’s Heavy Metal with a very good and crystal clear production. Even though their music is barely original and can (and will be by some) be called out-dated they still manage to sound very fresh.

“Carved in Stone" starts with “1000 Paper Cranes” and Judas Priest instantly comes to mind. Even the vocals remind me a tad of Mr. Halford. Great track.
The next 2 tracks are “Fallen Angel” and “Escaping the Clouds”. Especially “Escaping the Clouds” is great… Early Black Sabbath, and Dio instantly comes to mind.

Well… I must admit that I somehow hated this track at first, but now numerous listens later I find it the best track on this album. The rest of the 7 tracks are great too and brings back the good old 80’s Metal… so therefore; crank up the volume and ROCK ON!

“Carved in Stone” is recorded, engineered and mastered by Endre Kirkesola in Dub Studios, Norway, and executive producer is Emil Westerdahl. All artwork and layout is done by S. Durling.