ALLEN/LANDE (or ALLEN-LANDE) is a Melodic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal super group / band project formed in 2005 by guitarist Magnus Karlsson (PRIMAL FEAR, STARBREAKER) with two highly acclaimed metal vocalists - vocalist Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X) and former MASTERPLAN vocalist Jørn Lande. The band released such albums: "The Battle" (2005), "The Revenge" (2007), "The Showdown" (2010) and "The Great Divide" on 17th October 2014.

Opening track "Come Dream With Me" takes listeners on the journey through the Melodic Rock & Metal world where you can find stronger melodic guitars with wonderful vocals, clear rhythmic section, catchy chorus with an impressive guitar solo which makes goose-flesh, and little PRIMAL FEAR echoes. Powerful drums and mega energetic guitar riffs in "Down from the Mountain" are truly kick-ass with amazing vocals in climate of BLACK SABBATH, AXEL RUDI PELL and memorable refrain in high style. All tracks have similar sounds to GAMMA RAY and TIMO TOLKKI songs. The energetic atmosphere of "Dream About Tomorrow" is caused by heavier riffs, SCORPIONS echoes, great solo, and keys in Power Metal style.

My favourite song on the album is "Lady of Winter", which has everything that is the best in Hard Rock and Metal music - so gentle piano opening, then heavy riffs, clear drums, fabulous memorable high chorus, and perfect worked guitars full of melody. Stunning track with rockin sounds, mid-tempo, perfect bass, slower climate, and totally in the style of JORN. Stronger riffs with gentle keys and massive JORN vocals in pathetic melodic refrain in track "Solid Ground" is perfect, also with a massive and brilliant guitar solo!

The band proves that they are on high-class level in powerful "In the Hands of Time" where keys and melodic guitars have STRATOVARIUS echoes. The energetic "Reaching for the Stars" with gentle keys in the background with memorable refrain and massive sounding "Hymn to the Fallen" with mixing Heavy Metal sounds together with rockin style.

Also I like very much the ballad titled track "The Great Divide" with beautiful strong voices of singers, calmer guitars, keyboards, and passionate guitar work and chorus in high style with choir in amazing slower tempo - what a wonderful sound! Another ballad "Bittersweet" has a slower rate, clear drums, piano, and brilliant singing together with climatic stronger high riffs. Sounds total perfect!

ALLEN/LANDE, again, proved that they are Kings of Rock and Metal. They connect different kinds of sounds - Hard Rock, Heavy Metal with doses of melody. The band creates music with passion. Every track is a masterpiece and in each sound the experience of musicians is hear able. ALLEN/LANDE is simply a fantastic band, and their fresh CD "The Great Divide" is more than highly recommended to every lover of Melodic strong sound!