tnt a farewell to arms

Released: 24 Januay 2010 Label: Metal Heaven

Since forming in 1982, Norway’s TNT has released what seems like several hundred albums and had a similar number of members come and go through their constantly revolving door. While remaining a headline act in their homeland and in Japan, TNT’s profile elsewhere has been considerably lower and all but the most devoted of fans would find it difficult to keep up.

Now though, the years of experience and a stable line-up (this is the third consecutive album with no comings or goings) are beginning to pay dividends as TNT hasn’t sounded this assured in a long time.

Ship In the Night for example is as strong as any mid-paced melodic rock song you’ve heard in a good few years and along with the equally enjoyable Refugee offers a fine showcase for the excellent lead vocals of former Shy frontman Tony Mills.

The rhythm section of Diesel Dahl (drums) and Victor Borge (bass) plays it straight with simple but effective grooves throughout, allowing the impressive guitar work of founder member Ronni Le Tekro to swoop and soar pleasingly from start to finish.

There is the odd bit of filler here and there, but A Farewell to Arms remains a great little melodic rock album. It’s as close as metal is ever going to get to easy listening and while it never threatens to redefine the future of rock, it’s a perfectly executed record which delivers on every promise it makes.

by Marcus Jervis