Norwegian Heavy Metal

Ghost Avenue – Even Angels Fail
Self-Released
Release Date: 07/08/2020
Running Time: 50:47
Review by Tsarina Wilson
9/10

Ghost Avenue are a brilliant, punchy metal band from Oslo, Norway and display a great blend of 80’s Metal with a modern twist. They have all the trademarks of a good Rock/Metal band, with great riffs, awesome drumming and fab vocals/backing vocals. Since first hitting the scene in 2002, they’ve been growing and have played many live shows, including support for Tad Morose at the Norway Rock Festival alongside bands like Status Quo, Accept, Nightwish and Turbonegro, I bet the place was bouncing that night!

Now with 6 releases (1 demo, 1 EP and this, their 4^th full-length album) under their belt, they have produced some great work. And from the early days to now, it’s fair to say that their music definitely stands the test of time. Like a lot of bands, they’ve had people come and go, but the current line-up is solid, and full of talent. And this album perfectly displays that. Their talents are blended together, with each having something to put into the musical pot in both performance, and conception of the songs.

This album was recorded at the Lionheart Studios, and was mixed by Oyvind Voldmo Larsen, at the award-winning studio, The Panic Room, in Skovde, Sweden. And, may I say, he has done an amazing job.

One thing I will say at this early point is, I would recommend you don’t play this album too loud. Yes, we all like our music loud, I know, but believe me, the bass almost beats out of your chest and makes your head explode! It’s intense and super powerful, but also strangely soothing.

Despite the booming bass and raw undertones, “Even Angels Fail” isn’t overpowering. It explores clear vocals, and constant changes in tempo. Kim Sandvik’s voice has a distinct gruffness to it, but isn’t overly raspy, so is kinder on the eardrums!

Their high voltage, pure power sound must come across so well in their live shows. Let’s be honest, they’re not a stand still kinda band! With the strong vocal mix of Kim and Andre, they show us that, just because they are a heavy metal band, getting the right balance of vocals and harmonising is just as important as having killer riffs to back it up.

The track ‘Northman’ has a great Nordic theme and is full of harmonically rich vocals, blending with mesmerising guitar, and thumping drums. This upbeat track is one that you just can’t get out of your head. I love the Valhalla input, and I so hope that, in time, we get a video to accompany this track.

It comes across that the guys have such passion about their music, and their performance. The album makes you feel everything that they feel, the passion, the power, the depth. The winning combination of brilliant song-writing, musical talent aplenty, and superb production, have made for a very strong album.

TRACKLISTING:
01. Best of The Best
02. Breakdown
03. Wasted Generation
04. The Fallen
05. Still Craving
06. Take Cover
07. Northman
08. Hero
09. A Violent Disturbance of The Peace
10. Even Angels Fail

LINE-UP:
Kim Sandvik – Vocals
Petter Lein – Drums
Magnus Liseter – Bass
André Berger – Guitar and Vocals
Thomas Eljarbø – Guitar

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Tsarina Wilson and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

EMQ’s with WAIL

Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Lillehammer, Norway based Heavy Metal band, Wail. Huge thanks to ‘The Singer’ for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

The Singer is the name, and I am responsible for lead vocals.

How did you come up with your band name?

It is the name of the organization we represent as a musical front. It’s also quite representative for the music!

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

Norway. Metal is alive and well, yet people seem to be divided into a million subgenres.

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

‘Endless Repetition’ and ‘Through The Ice’. Singles for our upcoming album releasing in September.

Endless Repetition Lyric Video:

Through The Ice Lyric Video:

Who have been your greatest influences?

Oooh, tough question. I mean, the guys have all sorts of different preferences coming from extreme metal to more glam and rock-oriented groups.

And for myself, I just stole everything from the previous singer. His home, his car, the band and obviously the style of singing. No idea where he got it from though.

What first got you into music?

When I observed how seductive and powerful it can be to the human brain.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Wail. We only collaborate within the organization.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Wacken Open Air. Because it would make our drummer happy. It’s a childhood dream thing.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Chlamydia.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Prepare yourself for this upcoming record. It really kicks the donkeys ass.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

DIO

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

Playing shows is what it’s all about. GetIns and soundchecks towards the bottom. AND THAT DAMN SNARE DRUM TESTING. Why does it take like 20 minutes every time?

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

For it to gain relevance again. How can you have an industry based on a product the consumer expects to be free?

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

“Sin After Sin” – Judas Priest.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Vinyl for the love, CD and downloads for the convenience.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Not sure if I can point out any gig that sticks out among the best ones, but I will tell you that the ones you think are going to stink, usually end up being the best gigs.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Preaching in the streets.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Again, Wail. We don’t dine with other people.

Sorry for being crude, it’s just the way it is. I mean, I could make up this list of interesting people, but I want this to be an honest and heartfelt interview.

What’s next for the band?

Releasing and promoting the new album “Civilization Maximus”

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

www.wail.no/
www.facebook.com/WAIL.official.NO/
www.instagram.com/wail_band/
www.open.spotify.com/artist/0pmwXDz7lf1P744YmhBfOX

Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?

What, you got some? I tend to stay away from these kinds of discussions as they are way too divisive.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Check out ‘Endless Repetition’ and ‘Through The Ice’ by WAIL on Spotify!

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.