John Norum
Slipped Into Tomorrow

But is it really John Norum, the musician, presenting us with this "Slipped Into Tomorrow"? It's mandatory to ask, given the sounds proposed by the Norwegian guitarist transplanted to Sweden in the previous excellent platters, which differ significantly from the stylistic approach of this early-century effort (Mascot, 2000).

But the axeman from Europe hasn't gone crazy, as the shift from the epic and pompous sounds of "Total Control" to the dirty, raw, and heavy rock'n'roll of this work has its reasons. These motivations can be identified in John's 70s influences (Thin Lizzy), and in the desire to incorporate different and modern elements into an already effective recipe.

The riffs offered here turn out to be more powerful and full-bodied than ever, while the solos explode effectively, concise, endowed with those recognizable harmonies that vaguely take us back to the time of unforgettable instrumentals like "Boyazont" or "Aphasia." He also takes on all the vocal parts, offering us an original voice, soaked in whiskey and smoked by tobacco, warm and angry, capable of even becoming darkly at times, as in the excellent "Blackscape." Written with the help of Fredrik Åkesson (Talisman, now Opeth!), it hits the listener like a tornado of pounding riffs, driving drums, and an excellent verse leading to an impactful chorus. A long and swirling Malmsteen-like solo closes it in a remarkable emotional crescendo.

The splendid metallic gallops of "Veda" and the catchy attitude of "Freedom Is My Truth" are notable, with its enveloping guitar base and quickly memorable chorus, while halfway through the work, there's room for a semi-ballad with a grunge flavor named "Loosing My Mind." This one demonstrates John's versatility, determined to tackle sounds very different from the 80s period and capable of achieving excellent results, in this case spiced with a truly heartfelt and surprising vocal performance.

Massive groove riffing can also be found in "Tico's Life" and "Songs of Yesterday," perfect examples of an appealing yet aggressive and energetic metal-rock, showcasing John's ability (and that of Europe) to play with guts. In short, an interesting album, innovative in mixing the guitar-hero mindset with the essentialism of the most basic rock, thus making it modern at the same time. Quality artists never let us down.