TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK
Black Waves
2026 Battlegod Productions
‘Black Waves’ is the third full-length release from Norwegian power metal band TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK. The band’s lineup consists of Tony Johannessen (vocals), Øystein K. Hanssen (guitar), Valentino Francavilla (guitar), Andreas Stenseth (bass), and Owe Lingvall (ex-NOCTURNAL RITES) on drums. (Note: Tobias Øymo Solbakk is also listed as drummer). Finally, after two previous albums of rotating guest vocalists, the band has settled on Tony at the mic, and the result is their best album thus far. The band name may remind you of a weather forecast…well, let me tell you, the outlook is good!
TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK is a band that has done things the right way, paid their dues and asked for contributions from legends such as Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR), Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW), and Michael Kiske (HELLOWEEN) to get off the ground, and the results speak for themselves. ‘Black Waves’ is a concept album that is based on history, folklore, superstitions and beliefs from the band’s native Norway. This title is appropriate, because most of the songs are about the sea, and events therein.
Vocalist Tony Johannssen firmly takes control of the spotlight for this band on this album. He is the main draw for the listener, in my opinion. His voice is unique, but will undoubtedly draw comparisons with Bruce Dickinson and possibly Geoff Tate. And there’s nothing wrong with that, as they are vocal legends. The songs, for the most part, revolve around the huge choruses. Some great examples of this are album opener “Eventide”, (a plea for mercy in the darkest hours) as well as immediate winners “Silver Ghost” (a spectre rising from the depths of the sea) and “Wait For The Sun” (damned sailors forced to roam endlessly). (Check out the video HERE). Check out the high notes Tony hits on “When Falls The Axe” (the damned face their execution). A great deep cut! Guitarists Oystein and Valentino make a vicious and intriguing double axe attack. The riffs and solos on every song are fraught with frenzied energy (check out “The Monument” for example). This is a song about fire and water; burning away the old, and then washing them away. There are tons of great harmony guitar parts throughout the album as well. The rhythm section of Andreas and Owe are unrelenting, drums and bass sound great here. The uptempo songs found throughout the album are most welcome to these ears, and will certainly please fans of quality power metal. Standout track “Lament of The Damned” is certainly no dirge; these are all tales told with conviction and passion. The album closes with “The Still”, originally performed by Russian metal band ARIA. This track’s lyrics fit well with the album’s theme and this song definitely falls within the “epic” category. All 10 of the songs on ‘Black Waves’ reside in the five to six minute range, and while I’ve mentioned a few of my favorites, honestly there are no filler tracks to be found here. The whole album is very good. The album clocks in around 54 minutes total.
Conclusion: ‘Black Waves’ was a pleasant surprise to me. I was familiar with the band but had never really done a deep dive into their music. I am now a fan of the band because of this album. Fans of melodic power metal (Bruce Dickinson’s early solo albums come to mind), IRON MAIDEN, SAVATAGE, HELLOWEEN and CRIMSON GLORY seem appropriate as well) should check this album out. The mix and mastering on ‘Black Waves’ (by Sascha Paeth (AVANTASIA), is well done– the album sounds great and is completely engaging for the listener. ‘Black Waves’ is available now on CD and digitally from Australia’s Battelegod Productions.
4.5 Out Of 5.0