PLATEANMELDELSE - 12TONN

Tysk anmeldelse av Tolv tonn

Dato: 20.09.2004

Kilde: www.shadowshire.de

Anmelder: Lake

Karakter: 9 av 10

 Even if we currently might be the only German magazine which introduces Tømmermenn, we should tell you that this band's debut album "12 Tonn"

was exceptionally successful in their home-country Norway. And it's not plain metal we are talking about, but more likely melodic and hard rock. Founded in Selvik in 1996, the band's work could be found on various compilations. Now, with the debut record release, the aim is to get internationally known.

 The Norwegian band Gluecifer are the best example to prove that. But there is no danger that Tømmermenn will stay in Gluecifer's shadow, because their individual sound develops without disregarding the important elements of good rock music. Like "Universal", the first song on the album, which carries you away with it's aggressive and bovine manner. Also the fact that all lyrics are written in Norwegian makes this work a special release. But back to the songs, "Sorte Menn" is pure dirty rock, as it should be celebrated in front of an angry moshpit. Similarities to Monster Magnet don't bother at all. 

One will find mercyless hardness on this album as well as melodic and even wistful songs. Maybe the Norwegians should have put a sticker saying "diversification" on their cover. "Kan du leve" gives the listeners goose bumps with it's slow and toiling guitars. As a contrast "Smerte" starts with a wonderful guitar-solo. The dirty rock comes back with "Skygger", "Ren" or "Englebarn", where as "Englebarn" with relatively slow but hard sounds invites you to bang your head and "Ren"

with more speed slides towards metal. 

All in all a rock album which you learn to live. Actually these Norwegians give you something from every kind of the rock genre, but always spiced with the typical "heavy" soul of Tømmermenn. We're looking forward to the next release and an upcoming tour - the band really would like to tour Germany to prove that they are ready to compete. 

(Review by www.shadowshire.de, English version by  sandra m heinzelmann)