Northern Flame hails from Vaasa, Finland and was formed by Guitarist Niclas Buss & Bassist Emil Stenros in 2003. The band got their name from the idea that Jesus is North from us being in Heaven and He cleanses us with His Holy flame(Malachi 3:1-3). NF offers up some Heavy Power Metal on the Progressive side that is technical and seasoned with Neo-Classical flavorings. Other bands that come to mind while listening to this band are Lightmare, Golden Resurrection, Theocracy, Harmony, and Majestic Vanguard.
One of my reasons for making this site is to show all the people out there that think christian Metal "stinks," that they are Wrong!! Northern Flame is another great christian band helping to show that christian music can be just as good as secular music, if not better!
The guitars on the album are handled by Niclas Buss and Alexander Nybond with their smok'n fast guitar work. Also we find some sweet moments when the guys just want to Thrash a bit and that's alright by me not hurting my feelings at all. Then there are some moments where they trade in their electric guitars for acoustic ones and all I can say is wow!! in addition, these two are not scared to break out into a solo as the album is laced with them. You can tell that Niclas and Alexander have honed their skills over the past 10 years as it shows with a lot of variation and intensity.
The intensity of the double bass attacks by drummer Jari Ketola, help kick and propel the tunes forward and assists with keeping the album true to the Power Metal genre. I must add that the double bass also helps add to the uplifting sound that the Power Metal genre is noted for, and here it does the same for Northern Flame's 2014 release as well.
The production on the album sounds great and one thing I really appreciate is that the vocals are placed far enough out front that you can enjoy them.
Pitkäjärvi is a province in Western Finland that includes a lake called Lake Pitkäjärvi.
"At The Shores Of Pitkäjärvi"
Through this eerie forest, we travel to reach our goal.
A call from a stranger up ahead on the road.
To the home of my master, where the forgotten secrets shall be revealed!
AT THE SHORES OF PIKÄJÄRVI HE HAS RISEN!
His great words of power, toppled our "so-called-friend"
Urging us to heed His warning and come back again.
Don't listen to him, He said; 'cause all his words are lies!
AT THE SHORES OF PITKÄJÄRVI HE HAS RISEN!
Don't be afraid, he said; my master has long awaited you!
All your desires shall be pleased, forevermore!
And there will be no more doubt or fear!
Will conquer all, because it is love!
If I was only going to buy one album this year, then I would make Northern Flame's 'Glimpse of Hope' that album!
If you love Power Metal and instrumentals and you enjoy bands like Lightmare, Golden Resurrection, Theocracy, Harmony, and Majestic Vanguard then I'm sure you are going to like Northern Flame as well!
If you are looking to add some quality music to your collection then do yourself a favor and give Northern Flame a listen.