Tomorrow's Outlook is a Norwegian classic / power metal project that is primarily the work of the trio of Trond Nicolaisen (songwriting), Andreas Stenseth (bass) and Øystein K. Hanssen (guitars) together with a number of featured special guests. 34613 is the debut release with the songs having been recorded over a three and half year period spanning 2007 – 2010 and the most familar names amongst the additional cast of contributors are Graham Bonnet (MSG, Rainbow, Alcatraz etc) and Michael Kiske (Helloween, Unisonic). The tones of Bonnet on the unremarkable "Glass Mountain" and Kiske (power metal flag waver "The Ethereal Dream") are unmistakable however both are outperformed here by the melodic metal vocals of Mike Gorham (Autumn Silence, Without Warning) who really shines on the evocative mid-tempo power ballad "A Song For You", a stand out moment that lifts 34613 from above the one-dimensional average rock release and hints at what they are capable of. Both Gorham and Kiske have a stab at "The Ethereal Dream" and the former more than holds his own.
A couple of decent songs do not make a great album and ultimately 34613 falls some way short. Special guest names are always likely to attract more media attention to your release but the Norwegians would be well advised to recruit Gorham full time, dispense with the additional cast and develop Tomorrow's Outlook as a genuine band.
Track Listing
1. As Darkness Falls
2. Gate to Freedom
3. Glass Mountain
4. A Song for You
5. Doubt
6. The Ethereal Dream
7. 34613
8. White Lightning
9. Liquid Scream
10. Kill Again
11. March of the Demons
12. Red Rum (Lizzy Borden Cover)
13. The Ethereal Dream (ft. Michael Kiske)
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