Tomorrow's Outlook - Black Waves

I don’t review a lot of power metal on my blog.  It isn’t because I don’t like it–in fact, I love it.  In my younger days, it was one of the genres I got heavily into first.  The problem, however, is that it is such a bloated genre.  Always has been and probably always be; for every good power metal band, I come across 30 that gargle my balls.  But when it is good, it is good.  

Tomorrow’s Outlook and their third full-length album, “Black Waves,” album is a rock-solid power metal album that captures everything about the genre that made it appeal to me in the first place.  Vocalist Tony "Thunder" Johannessen has a fantastic voice.  He isn’t overly falsetto nor does he sound like a cornball or yet another ripoff of Dickinson or Halford.  

The rest of the band is on point with songs that focus on killer riffs in a more traditional aspect and sweet, sweet guitar solos.  I like that the music isn’t overly epic or filled with pointless fluff.  This is straight up power metal that does what it needs to—and does it well.  

I don’t always need the vocalist layering him/herself twenty times or the instruments trying to include everything and the kitchen sink all at once.  Tomorrow’s Outlook straightforward, stripped-down approach to the genre appeals to me. There is definitely a certain charm to a band that knows who they are and what they want to do.  

The opening song, “Eventide,” proves the album’s worth within seconds.  I love that I can hear the bass—you know how many power metal bands bury the fucking bass in the mix and forget about it?  Almost all of them.  Bass is so important, especially for a riff focused band.  Need that low end, right?   This song is a great opener because it is full of energy and showcases what the album is all about.  Do you like this song?  You’ll love the whole album.  Don’t like it?  Get some taste and come back later.   This one is a banger with a catchy chorus, soaring vocals, and heavy riffs.  What more do you want?

I thought “Black Hearts and Roses in Snow,” would be a power ballad based on its name, but I was wrong.  This song explodes with huge drums, a short but sweet ripper of a solo and some awesome galloping guitar/bass.   The vocal lines are catchy, just theatrical enough without going overboard.  The bass during the slower passages is wonderfully melodic while holding down the foundation.   Again, what more do you want in your power metal?   How about the solo after the four-minute mark?   

One of my favorite songs is “Silver Ghost,” because its ear grabbing from the very first second.  The lead guitar just hooks around the rhythm and never let's go.  The riffs are tight, just melodic enough to be engaging but never losing the heaviness.   The vocals are really good on this song too (not that they aren’t on the other ones, mind you) and push through with yet another ridiculously catchy chorus.  Did the band go into the studio and say, “We have one rule with this album: make it catchy?”  Power metal SHOULD be catchy with a ton of energy and I’m glad Tomorrow’s Outlook embraces this notion. 

“Lament of the Damned,” is another burner and with a name like that, I knew the song would be good before I even heard it.  The drums tear it up in a big way while the guitars play super tight, focused riffs that push the song towards, you guessed it, another chorus that is a sure-fire winner.  Tony sings his ass off on this song but the whole band dials in.  This one reminds me of Maiden, the way the rhythm guitar, bass, and leads all clash together.  If that isn’t a compliment, I don’t know what is. 

The final song is “The Calm,” and it does have moments of epic serenity but still never forgets to hit hard and fast.  The melodic, clean intro is emotional and makes the heavier part all the more potent when it kicks in at the 1:17 mark.  The riffs are mid-paced but steady and heavy, easily coming and going from the cleaner moments.  I can’t think of a better way to end the album than with this song.  

All in all, Tomorrow’s Outlook’s “Black Waves,” is an enjoyable album that gives me hope that the power metal genre still has plenty to offer. 

Rating: Great