Euro-Rock Radio

April 27th sees the US release of the new album from Daniel Lioneye (aka Linde, guitarist for HIM).  Appropriately entitled “Vol. II” this is the second offering from the amazingly talented guitarist and I was given the chance to have an early listen to it.  If you’re expecting a repeat of their first album “The King of Rock N Roll” you’re in for a surprise.

A side project of a few of the members of HIM, Daniel Lioneye has changed up the lineup this time around.  Linde (Daniel Lioneye) once again does vocals and guitar but this time throws the bass in as well while Burton (HIM keyboardist) takes up the keyboards and Bolton (Enochian Crescent) takes over on drums.  The band’s first album, “The King of Rock N Roll” was only released in Finland and Germany and showcased not only Linde’s amazing guitar talent but showed us that the usually silent Finn had an amazingly deep and well rounded voice.

This time around it seems that the group is going to the far opposite extreme of their HIM counterparts.  For their first North American release they’ve dug into their black metal roots.  The deep voice we heard in the debut album has mostly been replaced by distorted guttural screaming that reminds me of Cradle of Filth to some degree.  The opening track ‘Euroshaman‘ holds nothing back, giving you ripping guitar riffs and some unbelievable drumming that continues throughout the album.  It is most definitely a showcase for Linde’s amazing ability to play the guitar.  The track ‘I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One‘ is probably my favorite off the album – possibly because it is the only track on the album where the screaming gives way to a more melodic sound.  There’s still plenty of wicked riffs and distorted sound though so don’t worry.

All in all if you enjoy hard, fast, metal with a bit of funky keyboards to bang your head to you’re going to love “Vol. II”.   And if you thought all the members of HIM were just lovelorn crooners you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise.  Here’s hoping Daniel Lioneye takes the American Metal scene by storm and maybe we’ll get lucky and even get a tour sometime.

Daniel Lioneye’s “Vol. II” can be pre-ordered now at The Omega Order and there are several bundles available.  Release date is April 27, 2010.  Order your copy today and let’s show the the US market that Finnish Metal is where it’s at!

And follow Daniel Lioneye on Twitter and Myspace!  And stay tuned for our interview with Daniel Lioneye himself coming in April!