Between Two Worlds by I
January 30, 2007 by Jo Minor
Before I start reviewing this album, I have to say that Between Two Worlds is a musical piece that’s simply amazing!
Immortal frontman Abbath’s side project, I, released this last year and became one of the most sought after releases of 2006. As groundbreaking as it is nostalgic, Between Two Worlds is a rare blend of classic rock goodness fused with Viking Metal and Black Metal influences. The result is a spectacular, fresh listen - equally enjoyable to fans of rock and metal alike.
The album kicks off with a powerful, meaty number titled The Storm I Ride. Heavy guitars and drums pummel the listener, and the song opens the door for the other delectable tracks on offer in the album. Once Abbath starts belting out his signature raspy vocals, it’s no mistaking that I is up to the man’s high standards in music.
Interestingly, the guitar solo in The Storm I Ride, and some other tracks present in Between Two Worlds, fare much better than most of the solos in Abbath’s legendary metal band Immortal - mostly because the leads and solos here take much from the memorable guitar licks of classic rock than the forgettable solos dished out by many Black Metal bands.
What makes this album stand out, however, is the eclectic nature of the songs, and how well the elements work together in creating such unbelievable sonic passages - think Motorhead meets early-Metallica.
Furthermore, the songs here (penned by Abbath and ex-Immortal guitarist/songwriter Demonaz) are plain CATCHY. You can’t stop listening to Between Two Worlds, no matter how hard you try, and the amazing quality of the songs make each and every song stand out a lot. For fans of Immortal, there are interesting moments taken straight from albums like Sons Of Northern Darkness and At The Heart Of Winter - some of the best songwriting examples from such a remarkable band.
Between Two Worlds places I on the same level as the other better-known side projects, such as Demons & Wizards, and has raised the bar significantly for other Norwegian bands - who can no longer rest on their laurels and sit comfortably on their past successes. I, will no doubt, lit a fire under the feet of the other metal bands who still walk in the shadows of their past glory - Mayhem is the best example of such a band - and push the metal scene forward.
We shall wait patiently for another golden age!
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