Inspired by a combination of classic 80’s metal and video game music from the 80’s and early 90’s, Norway’s Tomorrow’s Outlook have at the core three main members along with a series of premiere guest vocalists on their debut album “34613”. Bassist Andreas Stenseth, songwriter Trond  Nicolaisen and lead guitarist Oystein K. Hanssen are the main members- and guest vocalists include Norman ‘Ski’ Kiersnowski of Deadly Blessing, Graham Bonnet, Michael Kiske, Scott Oliva, and Mike Gorham on this 13 track offering.

The base of Tomorrow’s Outlook sonically appears to be rooted in European and American traditional acts such as Artch, Queensrÿche, Heir Apparent and so forth. Soaring vocal passages, occasional forays into twin guitar harmonies, but material that certainly appeals to an older generation appears to be the game plan for the group. The cover of Lizzy Borden’s “Red Rum” with Graham at the microphone is a spirited track, proof positive that classic songs remain timeless. “Gate To Freedom” has this prototypical German power metal galloping, while “White Lightning” is a dramatic ballad offering that you would come to expect from Savatage in their later years.

I’m on the fence on a full recommendation of “34613”. Project albums can be that way, because it all depends ultimately on the quality of the songwriting on display- as even high caliber vocalists can only polish mediocre material so much. Maybe as the core lineup gets to know each other a little more, the quality will improve- at this point it’s definitely not standout material and you would be better off seeking out Metalhead or the new Herman Frank records when you need that 80’s fix.


Source: http://www.imhotep.no/?did=9107364&aid=9069492