### Allen/Lande: The revenge

#### 31/10/08 || HailandKill

Every blockbuster needs a sequel, and nobody understands this rule of thumb better than Magnus Karlsson, who brought us 2005’s extraordinary “The Battle”. Getting his two celebrity singers together again on its follow up, the aptly titled “The Revenge”, Karlsson harnesses the same formula that made the previous release such a winner, thereby unleashing the finest melodic metal masterpiece ever recorded unto the world. Yes people, no bullshit here, this is a mighty fine-tastic album, perhaps the most fine-tastic of all time. Kicking off with the title track, mysterious keyboards form the first drops of a torrent that explodes in epic brilliance. Its dazzling melody crashing against your ears like a wave, the ensuing duet from the two dudes that lent the album its “band name” mesmerize you without missing a beat from their earlier coupling. In retrospect, “The Battle” was like foreplay while this album is full blown intercourse.

Here’s a handy checklist to emphasize this album’s strengths: Are there wanking guitar solos? Check. Crystal clear vocals that are dramatic and sentimental? Check. Beautiful song writing? Check that as well. Pure flawlessness? Uh-huh.

The bottom line is metal has never sounded this good. The last time it did was on “Holy Diver” and “Pyromania”. For those of you despairing over the current state of things, here’s your salvation. For anyone who’s lost between second-rate death metal and effeminate offerings from the melodic end of the spectrum, this is the second coming. At once modern and retrogressive (meaning it harkens back to the good ole days), “The Revenge” is the standard by which the rest are judged.

Alright now, if you’re sick and tired of shameless praise here’s an objective breakdown of “The Revenge” that uses a few metaphors to illustrate its points: “Obsessed” is best suited for being sung from the top of a cliff, with the world spread beneath you and the sky welcoming your embrace. True to its namesake, you can only spin “Victory” after winning at your favorite RTS game. Wallowing in emotional syrup? Then go for the album’s token piano driven power ballad “Master of Sorrow” and scream your heart out. To keep boredom and awkward silence at bay during long drives with the kids, let the family sing along to “Will You Follow” like the wholesome Von Trap’s from “The Sound of Music”. It’s a radio friendly rock jingle whose positive vibe can turn any frown upside down.

The way “Just A Dream” runs, it could be a forgotten Bon Jovi-meets-Queensrÿche single from the late 80’s. On those rare occasions when you’re bewitched by a chick, there’s “Her Spell” to suit the current mood. However, if you’re full of energy and want to prance around the house like a maniac, “Gone Too Far” comes highly recommended. “Wake Up Call” is one of those rare super energized pop rock numbers that gets you ready for the office in the morning. As “The Revenge” spirals towards its end, “Who Can You Trust” and “Under the Waves” are the songs you hum along to while washing the dishes. It’s okay to swing your hips while doing so. The curtains fall on “When Time Doesn’t Heal”, which marks the last orgasmic thrust for this deceptively named experimental redux.

On “The Revenge”, Magnus Karlsson proves he’s one of Sweden’s finest musicians, able to bring out the best from the artists he collaborates with. Throughout the record, Jorn and Russel either go solo or share the spotlight. Lucky for them their voices harmonize so perfectly, you barely notice any difference. Its really like one guy is singing everything. The cover art, by the way, is untouchable.

While humanity was going gaga over the new Nightwish back in 2007, “The Revenge” was quietly mesmerizing all the people whose lives it transformed, including this reviewer. For Magnus and co., this is touchdown, perfection, “The Revenge”.

9.5 giant mechanical dinosaurs out of 10.

- Information
- Released: 2007
- Label: Frontiers Records
- Website: www.magnus-karlsson.com
- Band
- Russel Allen: vocals
- Jorn “Corn” Lande: vocals
- Magnus Karlsson: guitars, everything else
- Jaime Salazar: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. The Revenge
- 02. Obsessed
- 03. Victory
- 04. Master of Sorrow
- 05. Will You Follow
- 06. Just A Dream
- 07. Her Spell
- 08. Gone Too Far
- 09. Wake Up Call
- 10. Under the Waves
- 11. Who Can You Trust
- 12. When Time Doesn’t Heal