Musical Style: Melodic Power Metal	Produced By: Niclas Buss
Record Label: Independent	Country Of Origin: Finland
Year Released: 2021	Artist Website:
Tracks: 12	Rating: 90%
Running Time: 65:09

The long wait for the second Northern Flame album is finally over.  Independently released in January of 2021 and following on the heels of debut full length Glimpse Of Hope from 2014, sophomore effort Twisted Reality finds the Vaasa, Finland based group continuing in a melodic power metal trajectory with strong leanings towards neo-classical and progressive metal.  Imagine walking a fine line between Narnia and Theocracy while hinting of Golden Resurrection, Majestic Vanguard and The Waymaker and the picture is complete!

Helping Northern Flame separate from its European metal contemporaries is vocalist Simon Granlund, who rather than a high-end Geoff Tate influenced delivery typical to the scene, takes a mid-ranged approach instead.  Specifically, he impresses as having a dignified and stately style capable of transitioning between lower register baritone resonance, and reaching for a high note with ease.  What I said in my 90% Glimpse Of Hope review holds true in that he invites comparison to some very good company in Colin Hendra (Wytch Hazel) and Mathias Blad (Falconer).

Improved Twisted Reality production helps Granlund further stand out in that while competent, Glimpse Of Hope presented with some muddiness that prevented the listener from gaining an accurate gauge to his abilities.  Not so on Twisted Reality in that not only does Granlund shine, but all aspects of the recording process also improve in terms of a sturdier low-end, deeper rhythm guitar signatures and brighter keyboard sheen.  Packaging takes to the next level as well with eye catching cover art and professional mini booklet with lyrics, liner notes and band photos.

Opening instrumental “Twisted Reality”, three and a half minutes of symphonic keyboards and neo-classic riffing, gives way to “Sanctification Of The World”.  What we have is one of albums signature tracks, brash in terms of its assertive demeanor (to highlight Jari Ketola’s intricate drum proclivities) but also astutely done with its grandiose demeanor (revealed in the splendid refrain).  This is where the Golden Resurrection comparison comes into play.  Lyric snippet:

Here me now my brothers
I call upon the Blood of the Lamb
Stand together in love
We need to break these chains of hate

For my king, for my land
And the heaven watching above us
Time has come for the truth
And the sanctification of the world

“To The Throne” magnifies the up-tempo affection and keyboard focus while correspondingly backing from guitars to the extent an AOR-ish to melodic hard rock essence reveals.  It works, particularly in light of the extended melody to rise above the esteemed scene and manner in which Grandlund’s vocals take a distinguished tone.  Classical keyboards carry things instrumentally.

Further playing up the melodic hard rock qualities is “Shimmering Solstice”.  It approaches from a semi-ballad standpoint, as acoustic guitar and piano play elevated roles and guest vocalist Emma Backman joins Granlund as part of a refined duet.  I can see Stryper doing something like this.  Lyric snippet:

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

My heart is yours, your soul to keep
You made the heavens, you are everything

You took one breath, constellations aligned
Black became white, we are complete

Back to upbeat territory with “Glowing Flower”, a quintessential melodic power metal cut with equal emphasis on both sides of the fence: substantial melody in terms of the former but plenty of double kick drum in light of latter.  The guitar and keyboard duel instrumentally further heightens the classical qualities.

“Broken Soul” maintains similar musical themes as six minutes of heartfelt emotion.  It opens to a minute and a half instrumental build to run the gamut from piano and acoustic guitar to staunch rhythm guitar, lightening for its opening verses as keyboard regally lead the way only to return to a forward impetus as extreme vocals step in ahead of the lofty refrain.  Back and forth and back again as a progressive basis establishes.  Lyric snippet:

My knees are collapsing
In a state of misbelief
I’m afraid to see you Lord
As I am guilty as sin

What is Your grace about?
When I cannot keep Your love inside?
There’s nothing I can give to You
But a lonely broken soul

Fast-paced power metal romper “Stone Of Grace” is shortest of albums vocal cuts at four minutes.  Song proves forwardly focused, with a galloping mentality standing alongside an upper end vocal penchant, punchy refrain and all the energetic propensity you could ask.  Harpsichord carries things instrumentally (sort of like Impellitteri).

Plenty of variances found on “Fuel My Heart”.  Opening seconds are instrumental to polished guitar harmonies before the song settles down for its acoustic laced verse sections, not elevating until rhythm guitar returns and evenly leads the way to the luxurious refrain.  Fantastic lead guitar run from Niclas Buss carries the instrumental moments.  Lyric snippet:

I see another day dawning
With its problems and its joys
I’m an ordinary man
With a calling for the truth
Still I stumble and I fall
Reaching for the Light
I try my best
But sometimes it’s still not enough
Oh, help me Lord

The same applies to “Heaven & Hell” with its manifold transitions.  It impresses of a ballad its first two minutes as piano and acoustic guitar play prevalent roles.  Pace, however, abruptly accelerates rapidly moving ahead, with double bass aplenty alongside a mirthful melody speaking of an exquisite joining of melodic and power metal.

Back to instrumental territory with the awesome “Star Fall On A Cold Winter’s Night”.  A neo-classical flair impresses as song brings to mind instrumentals appearing on mid-period Narnia albums Desert Land and The Great Fall with its lightning like riffing, harpsichord and capably done lead guitar certain to turn the head of Carl Johan Grimmark.  Halfway through and impetus settles down to a wistful acoustic passage hinting of Saint’s instrumental magnum opus “The Returning” (off Too Late For Living from 1989).

Delectable piano-based ballad “Beautiful” leads the way to Theocracy like epic “Paradise”, albums lengthiest - and in my opinion best! - with its technical intricacies and variances.  A classic rock feel manifests from the keyboard heavy two minute instrumental opening, with moments to follow at times touching upon ballad territory laced with piano and others of a darker aspect as thick guitars and swarthy keyboards play leading roles.  You also cannot help but appreciate the ‘barbershop quartet’ style acapella vocals to close things!  Lyric snippet:

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

Twisted Reality equals another solid European metal album from Northern Flame.  Improved production allows groups performance to separate that much further, particularly from a vocal standpoint.  When placed alongside, Twisted Reality has more of a melodic metal/hard rock feel than Glimpse of Hope while maintaining similar levels of musical aptitude.  The neo-classical and progressive sides to Northern Flame cannot be understated either.  If a fan of European metal in its varying forms or artists referenced in the review, then I cannot help but recommend Twisted Reality.

Track Listing: “Twisted Reality” (3:25), “Sanctification Of The World” (4:52), “To The Throne” (5:33), “Shimmering Solstice” (5:08), “Glowing Flower” (5:21), “Broken Soul” (5:58), “Stone Of Grace” (3:58), “Fuel My Heart” (5:19), “Heaven & Hell” (6:15), “Starfall On A Cold Winter’s Night” (5:43), “Beautiful” (5:04), “Paradise” (8:28),

Musicians
Simon Granlund - Lead Vocals
Niclas Buss - Guitars, Growl Vocals & Keyboard Arrangements
Trygve Strömvall - Keyboards
Henrik Böckelman - Bass
Jari Ketola - Drums

Additional Musicians
Emma Backman - Lead Vocals