Final Offering
Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 10/25/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"2003's The Uncrowned was the third and final album from Swedish melodic hard rock/heavy metal band Last Tribe. I discovered the band with their previous album Witch Dance, and since then have been following just about anything that guitarist/bassist/keyboardist/songwriter/producer Magnus Karlsson has been involved with.
The Uncrowned is, as expected, a killer melodic hard rock/heavy metal (I can never decide which is most appropriate) album. It actually sounds an awful lot like the Allen/Lande albums (The Battle and The Revenge) that Karlsson wrote for vocalists Russell Allen and Jorn Lande. So much so that I wonder if the Battle wasn't originally intended to be a 4th Last Tribe album. Karlsson is a master of dynamic and energetic melodic songwriting, and these songs showcase that. Between the gorgeous melodies, killer hooks, and powerful vocals, there is a lot to love about The Uncrowned. It's the kind of album that you wish would never end, but you know it has to, if only so you can catch your breath.
I hate it that this was the last we'd hear from Last Tribe, but given Karlsson's work with Allen/Lande, Starbreaker, Planet Alliance, Codex and now Primal Fear, we haven't exactly been missing out on high quality melodic hard rock from the man. If you're a fan of those bands and/or bands like Pretty Maids, Jorn, Pink Cream 69, Chalice, Axel Rudi Pell, and Eclipse, you definitely need to check out Last Tribe's albums, and The Uncrowned is as good a place as any to start."
The Last Tribe's Last CD-Excellent
Robert M. Lisanti | Peekskill, New York USA | 09/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the third album/cd from this awesome quartet. Magnus Karlsson who plays guitar and keyboards, is an awesome guitar player and can shred with the best of them, but still be melodic. The singer Richard Bengtsson is very good has some Dio quality to his voice. The album production is of the highest quality, every note is crystal clear, Bass is outstanding, and drums and vocals sound great. If your into the Prog/Power Metal genre then this is a "Must Have". but even fans of 80's Metal will enjoy this cd. Some elements of Dream Theater, Elegy, Starbreaker etc. Highly recommended!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
