Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Spirit Black — The title track opens the album with soaring melodies and heavy instrumentation, perfectly encapsulating Jorn's signature blend of power metal and hard rock.
-
→
I Walk Alone — This track features an anthemic chorus and personal lyrics that resonate with themes of solitude and resilience, showcasing Jorn's vocal prowess.
-
→
Rock and Roll Angel — Infused with classic rock vibes, this song stands out for its catchy hooks and celebratory spirit, demonstrating Jorn's ability to merge different rock influences seamlessly.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Strong vocal performances and dynamic shifts characterize the album, though it follows familiar hard rock structures.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow build-up, leading into powerful guitar riffs and Jorn's soaring vocals.
- Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, alternating between softer verses and explosive choruses, particularly evident in 'I Walk Alone'.
- The last three tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, creating a sense of resolution as the album concludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with climactic moments
- epic storytelling through powerful vocals
- introspective journey of resilience
- invigorating anthems for empowerment
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek minimalist soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Spirit Black' was released in 2009, Jorn was already an established figure in the heavy metal scene, having previously gained recognition with his band Ark and as a solo artist. This album marked his fifth studio release, showcasing his continued evolution and solidifying his reputation for dramatic, melodic hard rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Russell Allen· Kamelot· Masterplan
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
I Walk Alone
The bridge shifts into a reflective tone where the narrator confronts their inner struggles amidst a backdrop of solitude.
This moment employs a stark contrast to the earlier energetic sections, highlighting a vulnerability that deepens the emotional impact of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Spirit Black 4:41
- 2 Below 4:35
- 3 Road of the Cross 5:28
- 4 The Last Revolution 3:39
- 5 City in Between 5:49
- 6 Rock and Roll Angel 4:45
- 7 Burn Your Flame 2:42
- 8 World Gone Mad 4:20
- 9 I Walk Alone 4:27
- 10 The Sun Goes Down 6:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.