I guess it’s not necessary to underline that Noora Louhimo is one of the best singers in rock/metal music nowadays. Even if you are not a fan of Battle Beast, you can’t stand in apathy and not be hugely impressed by Noora’s unique voice. I gotta be honest with you; I was very curious to see how her first solo album would sound like. You see I know that all her other activities (outside of Battle Beast, I mean) and her basic influences are not entirely limited to the metal realm. This curiosity was even more intense upon the listening of her first single, the title track which was psychedelic, catchy and…different!
If I had to choose just two words to describe “Eternal Wheel Of Time And Space” those would be: diverse and rock. Noora projects all her influences and the album has more in common with a rock album of 1970 –with all the psychedelic, power pop and soul elements- than with a metal one of 2021. Most definitely, Janis Joplin’s ghost is everywhere and all over the tracklisting (there is a flawless rendition of “Piece of my Heart” in there) while it wouldn’t be an exaggeration if we say that this is a sonic amalgam that brings in mind early workd by Fleetwood Mac, Moody Blues, Procol Harum etc. As a matter of fact the standout track “New You” could easily be an outtake of “Rumours” or “Tusk”. Last but certainly not least, the overall sound is purely analog and gives you that warm feeling of a vinyl format.
Noora chooses the hard path by escaping of the safe Battle Beast zone. After all, this should be the purpose of any solo album, right? Every fan of quality rock music should support Noora’s effort. You won’t be disappointed.
Highlight: The cover sleeve depicts exactly the sonic content of the album.
