Artist: JOHN NORUM [EUROPE]
Album: OPTIMUS (CD)

Year: 2005
Media type: CD

"John is a unique guitar player. His sound is very raw and in your face, and at the same time very melodic. There is nobody like him." (Joey Tempest, singer Europe)

"'Optimus' is one of the most personal albums I ever made", says John Norum. ,,I named it 'Optimus' after the street in the suburb of Stockholm that I grew up in. It's also an album on which I sing myself. I have worked with external vocalists over the years. Most of the singers leave and send a bill. I realise now that nobody can sing my own lyrics with the same emotion like I do myself."

'Optimus' is also a well balanced album; it is rooted in classic 70's and 80's hard rock, but doesn't sound outdated. It displays the impeccable skill of John Norum as a guitar player, composer and singer.

TRACKLIST:

1. Chase Down the Moon
2. Nailed to the Cross
3. Better Day
4. One More Time
5. Time to Run
6. Optimus
7. Takin' the Blame
8. Change Will Come
9. Forced
10. Solitude