The Norwegian band Kaasin were formed in 2020 by Guitarist Jo Henning Haasin formerly a member of Come Taste The Band.Kaasin is widely respected for his collaborations with internationally renowned artists such as Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple) and Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow). Together with bassist Ståle Kaasin (Humbucker, 2020Vision), the foundation of Kassin was laid with a clear ambition, to create contemporary hard rock with a classic spirit and a strong sense of identity.The band is fronted by vocalist Jan Thore Grefstad (Saint Deamon and TNT), whose powerful and expressive voice quickly became a defining element of Kaasin's sound. In October 2021, drummer Per-Morten Bergseth (Jorn, Wig Wam, Course of Fate, Holter) joined the band, followed in 2022 by keyboard player Erling Henanger (Magic Pie, Holter), who contributes both live and in the studio.The debut album "Fired Up" released in November 2021 received excellent reviews,in turn it was named album of the year by Norway's leading rock magazine Rockman.To date Kaasin have generated 1.3 million streams on Spotify.

Some swirling synth effects lead in the opening track "The Real World",along with thumping bass lines & drums,the track invites you into this dark Melodic world,the riffing and guitar runs provide drama,along with a strong vocals the album gets off to an impressive start."Two Hearts" is a straight forward generic Classic Hard Rock number,vintage organ touches blend into the melody like a vintage bourbon on the rocks.The tempo and pace turn up a notch for "We Speed At Night" perfect track for driving or riding the open highways,some chugging,galloping riffs.tight rhythm with a solid vocal too."Iron Horse" brings the tempo down,with heavier moments in the chorus,the bass deep and prominent,the vocal performance is a strong commanding delivery,a definite album highlight track."Invisible" has some pounding drum work,again the bass sounds so deep,which compliments the drums perfectly,A track which has strong verses complete with a strong Melodic chorus."Over The Mountain" has a great prominent guitar riffs which contribute to this Classic Rock style track which gives me Thin Lizzy vibes.The Middle Eastern flavour to the guitar riffing,also the rhythms to "Arabian Nights" are stylistically different,resulting in a catchy musical offering."Descent Of Souls" is an instrumental piece which is guitar led,before we come to the last track,also title track "The Underworld" which has heavy galloping riffs,growling vocals, a NWOBHM early 80's style track, which brings this album to a trailblazing conclusion.

"The Underworld" is a solid album with classic sounding appeal.It is generic sounding with nothing new or groundbreaking musically.But with that been said it has nine solid tracks for old school Metal fans,but also new fans will like,which will no doubt add to Kassin's stream count.A solid album which demands turning up the volume! Available via Pride & Joy Music  24th April.