Jari Tiura - King of Lions

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Jari Tiura is a Finnish singer, who previously worked with the German guitar hero Michael Schenker on MSG. He sang on STARGAZERY and CENTURY LOST as well, so we could have a good idea of how a solo album of him would sound, couldn’t we? Wrong. On “King of Lions”, all of our previous conceptions will fall to the ground.

On this album, you’ll find a fine example of Finnish approach on AOR/Hard Rock. It’s different from other countries’ views, because it’s accessible and wonderful, but done with an elegant embodiment. The easy melodies are here as well, but with a different focus. Yes, it’s a truly good, catchy and a great album, with excellent songs.

Jari is the executive producer, having the hands of Sami Ala-lahti on the production, and Antto Tuomainen on the mixing and Esa Orjatsalo on the mastering. The sound quality that they build for “King of Lions” is really amazing, clear and with very good instrumental tunes. Obviously, there are some aggressive tunes heard on guitars, what makes their music a bit different from USA AOR School. But it fits perfectly on this album. One very good feature of “King of Lions”: the songs aren’t focused on Jari’s vocals, but on the entire band. So we have a solid form of music that will hook us all.

The charming melodies of “Away From All the Magic and Wonder” and of “London” (both with excellent guitars and vocals), the elegant energy of “Friends and Foes” (what lovely vocals and chorus), the heavy and bitter dose of weight that permeates “Human”, the grandiose pianos arrangements on the ballad “Lion of Judah”, the heavy and catchy dose of energy on the harmonies of “Blue Sky Lightning” are the album’s finest moments. But I believe that you all will love it from the first song to the last one. Listen to it and be seduced, and you’ll be aspiring for a new Jari solo album as soon as possible.

Originality: 7
Songwriting: 10
Memorability: 8
Production: 9