Russell Allen - Jorn Lande / The Showdown (2010)

Jorn Lande and Russell Allen or Russell Allen and Jorn Lande, if you prefer, whichever the name the order, it does not change the fact that they are two of the strongest voices of the metal community during the last years.

Regarding Jorn Lande, whatever we'd say, it's not enough. He has released almost thirty albums whether these are solos or projects or group works. I would say that most of them are superb. Which should I mention first? "The Duke", "Spirit Black", from his solo career, his debut with Masterplan, ARK, Allen/Lande or his participation in the albums of Tobias Sammet (Avantasia). And, despite the fact that some people may blame him that he tries to sound like David Coverdale and R.J. Dio (R.I.P.), no one can dispute that he is a great talent.

Russell Allen, on the other hand,  is the singer of the progressive metalers Symphony X, whith whom he has released six studio albums and one live. With Symphony X, he tried to get the title of the best progressive power metal group as well as the title of the best progressive album.
We are coming now to Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear, Starbreaker, Kiske/Somerville), who is responsible for this project. This man has the touch of "Midas" as whatever he touches the last years, becomes a success. A fantastic guitarist with a unique talent as a composer, he tried to get together these great two voices and the result was three very good melodic metal albums.

The three of them released two very good albums and we coming, happily, to 2010 with their third chapter called "The Showdown". the truth is that this album is heavier than their first one. But that does not mean that it lacks the elements of their previous releases, i.e. the catchy choruses, the strong melodies and the unique performances of Lande and Allen. in my opinion, the disadvantage of "The Showdown" compared to the fantastic "The Battle" is the lack of  memorable songs that grab you from the first listening. "Bloodlines" is the first song that impressed me from "The Showdown". A mid-tempo tune with a really catchy chorus and nice guitar leads of Magnus Karlsson. Other highlights are "We Will Rise Again", "The Artist" and "Eternity".

I can't say that "The Showdown" impressed me! It's a very good album with some really strong moments and great performances. The fact is that after their huge debut album it's very difficult, in my opinion, to release an album as equal as 'The Battle' was!
HeavyParadise's Rating: 7,5/10

Tracks:

 01. The Showdown (5:56) 02. Judgement Day (5:53) 03. Never Again (4:58) 04. Turn All Into Gold (4:01)05. Bloodlines (5:06) 06. Copernicus (5:02) 07. We Will Rise Again (5:53) 08. The Guardian (4:40) 09. Maya (4:24)10. The Artist (5:10) 11. Eternity (5:35) 12. Alias (4:45) [european bonus track]