Review by JD on May 30, 2012.

Back in the day, when everyone was into LA Guns, Poison and Faster Pussycat, I was a balls-to-the-wall thrasher into Slayer, Venom and Testament. Now that I am older, I have more respect for the ‘Hair Spray’ metal movement - and listen to some, but still love the whole Thrash/Doom/Speed metal. Now in 2012, I think I have found the band that just might have made me more into that scene if they were back then... and their name is Kissin’ Dynamite.

German born and made from the love of all of the decadent Hair Metal goodness of the 80's, they seem to have created the sound, and then kicked it into the modern age with a jolt. Sounding like a paring of Guns‘n’Roses and Motley Crue with old school metal played by experienced and hungry musicians... they take the feel of that whole scene and make it truly Headbanger friendly as it is as heavy as it is sleazy. No politicaly angled lyrics here, just party-time rock played at its trashy best.

Starting the album off is the party anthem title track, a booze soaked ode to the Crue with some Nitro added in for kick. A song that makes you want to headbang like mad while you sing along. Other notable tracks are the trashy and boogie blues of 'Sex Is War' to the surprising power ballad 'Club 27' dedicated to all of those rockers that have left us too early. All of these songs from start to finish has been crafted to be down and dirty, cock strutting boisterous Rock and Roll at its over-the-top decadent best.

The Hair Metal scene could have used Kissin’ Dynamite to bring in the true metallers to the fold back in the day as these guys rock hard and yet have so much talent to spare as well. I loved every minute of this album, and I can actually say that they have made the 80's better, now that they have injected some power into it. Buy a case of beer, invite every one over to party and play this album full blast- the party will just take care of its self after that.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9.5
Production: 9
Originality: 9
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Review by Kostas on June 21, 2023.

Northland is for sure not an unconventional name for a Folk Metal band, and their debut album may be of little interest to some, due to a ridiculous number of other bands in the scene failing to glorify the north with a proper release. However, many will be caught by surprise here. To be honest, "Northland" has to be one of the best Folk Metsl albums ever released, as well as one of my personal favourites.

It all starts off with the haunting introduction of "Revenge" warming the listener up and preparing them for the adventure that's yet to come. And then, what? Boom! Aggressive harsh vocals, awesome guitars, well-written bass... Everything is so good from the very first minute, it's literally hard to believe. Of course the violin and accordion are the instruments that make "Northland" special and give it a separate identity, making it sound even like the poetic narration of a long forgotten fairy tale. A fairy tale which conveys many beautiful messeges through its simplistic yet interesting and enjoyable lyrics. It is really hard to say who the best musician in the band is. Everyone plays professionally and all instruments have something different to offer. But if I had to pick up one person, it would be no other but Daniel Mateu. A drummer who can do magic with music and make every moment of this band's self-titled album pump like the heart of a warrior.

From the epic melodies of "Where The Heroes Die" to the uplifting sing-alongs of "The Old Town's Inn", there is something in"Northland" for every demanding metalhead out there. I tried very hard to find downsides in this release and still the only things I could spot were the mediocre male vocals of "Distant Path" and a rather unneeded interlude named ""Lord of The Flies". Mixing and mastering are perfect, with everything sounding where and as it should.

To sum up, in 2010 some unknown guys from Spain managed to release an album that is amazing in every way. If you like Folk Metal, but you struggle finding bands and albums that sound perfect, then it's your lucky day. Your search is over. Northland and their self-titled debut are here to haunt you forever.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10