Album Review: Rock 'n Roll Children

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The members of Finnish heavy metal group Sturm Und Drang are scarcely 17 years old, but they already have two hard-hitting albums under their belt. Rock 'n Roll Children (GUN Records), released on November 10th, follows 2007's Learning to Rock (Helsinki Music Company); comparing the two albums, it's apparent just how much the band's sound has evolved in so little time. Vocalist André Linman is getting more mature not only physically, but musically, as well, and the band follows. The licks are meatier, the drumming more powerful, and the bass lines more rumbling. Yes, compared to the album before it, it's really something special. But how does it stand on its own?

Those expecting influences from Dio from the title of the album would not be entirely far off. In several songs, I noticed inspiration drawn from Skid Row, Accept, Gamma Ray, Sonata Arctica, and of course, Judas Priest. This album certainly sounds like it could holds its own against the greats. However, like many songs from the era of 80s metal, every song on the album follows a fairly distinct formula with regards to construction. I don't think I could listen to Children on repeat for fear of getting bored. It's possible, though, that the band planned for this: At least half the songs sound like they were produced with explicit intent to perform live. These tracks are rife with call-and-response singing, choruses with memorable melodies, and extended solos to show off the band's chops. I'm going to count this as a mark for the album, even though Sturm Und Drang has only ever played one show outside Europe.

The other issue I have with the album is not something for which it is easy to hold anyone culpable. Linman sings in English, and while his grasp on the language is mostly natural, there are a few moments I can think of when his accent makes it hard to understand him. By and large, though, his singing has vastly improved from what it was on Learning to Rock. If the band gets a third try, I have confidence that he'll sound like he's been speaking English for most his life.

When compared with their previous album, Rock 'n Roll Children shows a marked evolution and maturity in the group's sound. As a standalone album, it's slightly more impressive. I have high hopes for this band. They get closer to falling into their own with each song they record. If they keep up this pace, it won't be long before these children become rock and roll men. B

You can import Rock 'n Roll Children from Amazon or download it on iTunes. Sturm Und Drang will be touring Finland through May starting on February 19th. Go here for dates.