JORN – Symphonic (2013)
Jorn Lande’s latest output Symphonic started as a spontaneous idea to hear how JORN songs sounded with a classical orchestra arrangement. Jorn Lande didn’t want this album to come across as a typical greatest hits album, so Symphonic features some deeper cuts from the JORN catalog. Sometimes spontaneous ideas are the best ones, as Symphonic shows just how powerful JORN’s metal music is. The orchestral arrangement on this album gives JORN’s songs a heavier feel than the original versions. I didn’t think the songs could be improved upon, but I stand corrected. I love this unique mix to JORN’s songs.
I liked the song choices Jorn made for Symphonic, and thought it was enhanced by the cover songs included in the track listing. There are two killer covers on this album, DIO’s “Rock and Roll Children” and Black Sabbath’s “The Mob Rules”. Both of these songs came out sounding cooler than ever.
Symphonic is a tremendous listen, and a true feast for the ears. Jorn Lande’s voice is the most powerful instrument on Symphonic, but his voice truly shines with this orchestral arrangement. I enjoyed Symphonic and I think you will too! Check it out!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- I Came To Rock
- Rock And Roll Children
- The World I See
- Burn Your Flame
- Man Of The Dark
- My Road
- Time To Be King
- Black Morning
- Like Stone In Water
- Vision Eyes
- War Of The World
- Behind The Clown
- A Thousand Cuts
- The Mob Rules
JORN is:
Jorn Lande – vocals
Willy Bendiksen – drums
Nic Angileri – bass
Tore Moren – guitars
Jimmy Iversen – guitars
Orchestral arrangements Lasse Jensen
Ive been a fan of Rock/ Metal mixed with an Orchestra or sounding like an orchestra since the 70s. I love bands like ELP, ELO, Kansas, The Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, Yes. And all those have lead to bands like Royal Hunt, Nightwish, Stratovarius, Within Temptation, Malmsteen just to name a few. Bands that almost always sound like they have an orchestra playing with them. And there have been many bands that have done a single/one time CD with Orchestra. I own many of them. So when one of my favorite artists does it theres no doubt about getting the CD. Ive had it for two weeks now. And LOVE it. I agree with you Rob, I think that the orchestra HAS enhanced JORN’s already incredible sound. I do prefer these versions to the originals. And I too am glad he decided to not make just another “Greatest Hits” CD. I think as much as people love him and his music they really would be tired of hearing them on another cd, again.