Norther
Mirror of Madness (Century Media)
by Martin Popoff
Oft considered a Children of Bodom clone, Norther actually don’t have their act together like the frosty, unit-shifting Finns. The vocals of Petri Lindroos are tiring and extreme, and too far back in the mix to matter, the keyboards too atmospheric and non-bold, and the songs too relaxed and power metal-like. But the worst part is the absolutely treble-frantic production, which scratches at my ears until I gotta turn it off.
(2323 W. El Segundo Blvd. Hawthorne, CA 90250)