A little background
information: Trond Holter, also known as "Teeny" from the Norwegian glam rock
kings Wig Wam, kicked off a side project back in 2009 called Swing of Death.
Along with him were: Bernt "Flash" Jansen (Bass, Wig Wam), Jeanette Heidenstrøm
(Vocals, Tuesday Girls), Lasse Finbråten (Keyboards, Circus Maximus) and Stig
Buckholm (Drums, Crash!). The sub-title for the project kind of gives away the
topic they are dealing with: "A Taste of Transilvania" - they are telling
stories about vampires. Trond Holter has since 2011 also been a member of Jørn
Lande's solo band Jorn, and now they have merged those things together on this
project called: Jorn Lande & Trond Holter presents Dracula. A few changes
have been made to the line-up for this recording; the female vocals on this
album have been done by Lena Fløitmoen (Glam Slam)
and the drums by Per Morten Bergseth (Fracture).
A rock opera about Count Vlad the III, Prince of
Wallachia calls for drama, mystery and big soundscapes. But this is no ordinary
rock opera per se, there's no storyteller and no interludes tying the story
together, no they have chosen to take the project more towards the classic rock
albums of the 70's; much like Meat Loaf did on early albums, but also with
references for heavy rock in the vein of Dio.
There's no point in talking about the talent of
Jorn Lande; all I will say is that he delivers one of his strongest performances
ever on this disc! But Trond Holter does not stand back and leaves the
scene for Jorn Lande, no he shines equally on this disc, and delivers a first
class guitar performance: awesome riffs and brilliant leads. All 10 songs are of
the highest caliber in heavy rock, and if you are into this kind of rock; then I
suggest you pick it up...
