Northern Flame is a Melodic European Power Metal band from Finland that was formed back in 2003 by guitarist-Niclas Buss and bassist-Emil Stenros. Northern Flame takes the inspiration for their moniker from Malachi 3:1-3 in that Jesus is North of us in Heaven, and He cleanses us with His Holy Flame.
In 2003 Northern Flame stepped onto the Metal scene with the release of their independent self-titled 5-track demo. Just two years later, in 2005 the band released a second independent demo featuring 6-tracks titled 'White Winternight'. After the release of their second demo, fans wouldn't hear from the band for another 9 years. Then in 2014 the band surprised their fans and the Metal community with the release of their debut full-length album titled 'Glimpse Of Hope' on Nokternal Hemizphear Records. Many would consider the band's debut to be their magnus opus with the album receiving rave reviews from around the world. This release features an intense energetic Power Metal sound coupled with a Progressive nature that is sure to please fans of the genre. For this listener, this is one disc in my collection that has received many spins over the years and will continue to be spun for many to come! The album is just that good!
In 2020 Northern Flame followed-up with the release of their sophomore full-length studio album titled 'Twisted Reality' on an indie label. 'Twisted Reality' features 12-tracks and was mastered by Neil Pickles at Reveal Sound. The recording was mixed by Anders Höglund at Midas Productions Ltd. The only line-up changes to report, between their debut and sophomore albums, is with rhythm guitarist-Alexander Nybond leaving the band and Åke Holm being replaced by bassist-Henrik Böckelman. The band's line-up is comprised of vocalist-Simon Granlund, lead & rhythm guitarist-Niclas Buss, bassist-Henrik Böckelman, keyboardist-Trygve Strömvall, and drummer-Jari Ketola.
How the band achieved their album's cover art is an interesting story. The band posted that they were looking for an artist (maybe some new talent or someone with experience) to design the cover art for their latest album:
(Band) "We got many people answering that they wanted to work with us. We looked through these artists' portfolios (those that had examples) and found many that didn't really have the style we were looking for. Just on a hunch, we had a Finnish fan of our band, posting and recommending Jouko Jormalainen. We decided to give it a shot. Since he had a good attitude - if we didn't like the things he created, we didn't have to pay for it. It would be new art for his gallery anyways. His different ideas - and a new logo blew us away and we knew we had found the right guy. During the summer, we had the discussion of remaking the logo, modernizing it. And it was really good work by Jouko. He made our logo more clean looking and futuristic that fits our image. Kind of a sci-fi oriented logo. Same as the artwork for the album. He did really nice work on covers for our two singles as well. We chose Jouko because of his great attitude, fast delivery, and due to a price that worked with our budget."
(Band) "We got many people answering that they wanted to work with us. We looked through these artists' portfolios (those that had examples) and found many that didn't really have the style we were looking for. Just on a hunch, we had a Finnish fan of our band, posting and recommending Jouko Jormalainen. We decided to give it a shot. Since he had a good attitude - if we didn't like the things he created, we didn't have to pay for it. It would be new art for his gallery anyways. His different ideas - and a new logo blew us away and we knew we had found the right guy. During the summer, we had the discussion of remaking the logo, modernizing it. And it was really good work by Jouko. He made our logo more clean looking and futuristic that fits our image. Kind of a sci-fi oriented logo. Same as the artwork for the album. He did really nice work on covers for our two singles as well. We chose Jouko because of his great attitude, fast delivery, and due to a price that worked with our budget."
Those who love European Power Metal are in for a treat here with the band's latest release 'Twisted Reality'. The album features solid vocals, relentless guitar shredin', thunderous bass lines, and punishing drums coupled with energizing double-bass pedal action. 'Twisted Reality' takes the listener on a journey through twists and turns with a variety of genres represented from beginning to end. For the most part, this record finds the band playing Power Metal from track to track, however there are a few songs including tracks (4, 6, and 8) where they change things up by drawing from the Melodic Metal genre. For the guitar enthusiasts, the band has included not just 1 but 2 blistering instrumentals including tracks (1 & 10). The band continues to surprise and impress with tracks (9, 11, and 12) which are all Progressive Metal/Power Metal songs. Track-9 "Heaven & Hell" features the piano and embodies such Progressive qualities that it is sure to put a smile on the face of any Neal Morse fan!
Vocalist-Simon Granlund delivers up a solid performance for the band on this 2020 release with all the right hooks to help bring this project to life. Simon garners some additional help from female vocalist-Emma Backman on track-4 "Shimmering Solstice".
The guitar section is managed by lead & rhythm guitarist-Niclas Buss who offers up a heavy dose of Finnish molten Metal on this project. Niclas delivers everything from from blistering fast Power Metal riffs to 90's era fret boarding to drivin' rhythm accompaniment along with some acoustic guitar play. Niclas' prowess behind the 6-strings is given the spotlight on two different tunes including track-1 "twisted Reality" & track-10 "Starfall On A Cold Winter's Night". Yes, there are plenty of tasty guitar licks to be had helping to make this recording a Metal feast.
Lyrics are poetic in nature while being Christ centered.
The following are some excerpts from the album's lyrics:
The following are some excerpts from the album's lyrics:
"Sanctification Of The World"
Welcome to a blackened world, where corruption sits up high
Where the people follow their dark desires
In a world where chaos reigns and kindness is not known
Now tell me how did we end up here?
Hear me now my brothers ! Call upon the blood of the lamb
Stand together in love, we need to break these chains of hate
"Shimmering Solstice"
Take my hand and fly with me
To the farthest reaches of paradise
We are worlds apart but worlds entwined
The only thing to ask is do you believe?
Do you have the courage to see me as I am
And not what you see as lines in the sand
"Stone Of Grace"
Looking beyond the sunset forevermore
I have a calling of the greatest measure
Stretching out my hand for the greatest pleasure
Give me the power to see clearly my God
Stone of grace power up
Corrupt the existence of hardened servitude
Break the mask of happiness
"Fuel My Heart"
Every time I feel like this it's emptiness taking over me
I realize I need to turn to You and be filled with your Holy Spirit
God, hear my call when I kneel down and pray
Fuel my heart with your everlasting fire and love
Don't forget what Jesus did, He took our sins and shame away
Not once but forevermore for you and me
Keep your eyes up high and let Him do the rest
"Beautiful"
There's she sitting on her bed Late at night brushing her hair
Working hard night and day
Which should come as no surprise
She's not living for the dead
But singing glory to the Lord
In someone's eyes she might be weak
But deep inside there is a rock
Which can't be touched nor can't be moved
By the living or the dead
"Paradise"
I´m on my way, the night is over
I´m on my way to Paradise
It won´t be long until it´s over
And we´ll see them face to face
And when the night, the night is over
I lay my heavy burdens down
And we´ll all see Jesus
We will sing and shout in victory
Amen
Welcome to a blackened world, where corruption sits up high
Where the people follow their dark desires
In a world where chaos reigns and kindness is not known
Now tell me how did we end up here?
Hear me now my brothers ! Call upon the blood of the lamb
Stand together in love, we need to break these chains of hate
"Shimmering Solstice"
Take my hand and fly with me
To the farthest reaches of paradise
We are worlds apart but worlds entwined
The only thing to ask is do you believe?
Do you have the courage to see me as I am
And not what you see as lines in the sand
"Stone Of Grace"
Looking beyond the sunset forevermore
I have a calling of the greatest measure
Stretching out my hand for the greatest pleasure
Give me the power to see clearly my God
Stone of grace power up
Corrupt the existence of hardened servitude
Break the mask of happiness
"Fuel My Heart"
Every time I feel like this it's emptiness taking over me
I realize I need to turn to You and be filled with your Holy Spirit
God, hear my call when I kneel down and pray
Fuel my heart with your everlasting fire and love
Don't forget what Jesus did, He took our sins and shame away
Not once but forevermore for you and me
Keep your eyes up high and let Him do the rest
"Beautiful"
There's she sitting on her bed Late at night brushing her hair
Working hard night and day
Which should come as no surprise
She's not living for the dead
But singing glory to the Lord
In someone's eyes she might be weak
But deep inside there is a rock
Which can't be touched nor can't be moved
By the living or the dead
"Paradise"
I´m on my way, the night is over
I´m on my way to Paradise
It won´t be long until it´s over
And we´ll see them face to face
And when the night, the night is over
I lay my heavy burdens down
And we´ll all see Jesus
We will sing and shout in victory
Amen
With the release of their second album, Northern Flame has, once again, made their mark in the Metal community and have shown that they are here to stay. If you are in the market for some quality Power Metal then take into consideration what the band has brought to the table with their latest release. Help support Northern Flame and Metal music by picking up your copy of 'Twisted Reality' today! Also check out the interview I had with the band.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Simon Granlund - Vocals
Niclas Buss - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Henrik Böckelman - Bass
Trygve Strömvall - Keyboards
Jari Ketola - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Emma Backman - Female Vocals on track-4
Simon Granlund - Vocals
Niclas Buss - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Henrik Böckelman - Bass
Trygve Strömvall - Keyboards
Jari Ketola - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Emma Backman - Female Vocals on track-4