tracklist:
1. The Northern Crown (2.14)
2. Among The Stars (4.16)
3. Learn The Dark (4.37)
4. Flaming Ember (4.12)
5. Morningstar (4.52)
6. Forest Remains Victor (4.29)
7. Bring Out Your Dead (3.35)
8. Kings of Grim (5.43)
9. Wreath of Seven Star (4.42)
10. Turmion Taival (8.17)

label: Low Frequency Records 2002

All music Written by Georg Laakso exept the northern crown by Ventola & Laakso.
All Lyrics Written By Sami Aarnio.

Lineup:
Sami Aarnio - Vocals
Georg Laakso - Guitar
Tino Ahola - Guitar
Jukka-Pekka Miettinen - Bass
Antti Ventola - Keyboards
Kimmo Miettinen - Drums
Nina Laakso - Vocals

Additional musician:
Jari Mдenpдд - Guitar
Jukka Salo - Vocals
Riku Ylitalo - Accordion

Melodic, furious Death Metal with keyboards from Finland. I guess that at least 87,6% of all our readers think about CHILDREN OF BODOM, further 5% of KALMAH and again 5% of ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW (ok, the keyboard part is not that prominent with them), so how many of the remaining 2,4% will actually also name CADACROSS? I guess not too many, but this septet definitely belongs into this category as well. So are they just another clone or do they have something completely of their own to offer? Well, I'm inclined to say that the truth is somewhere between the two, while the music in general is oriented on those by now quite big names and the vocals are the usual rough Death Metal-scream, CADACROSS still manage to bring at least some of their own ideas into their compositions, like acoustic guitars, an accordion (on "Morningstar", played by TURISAS' Riku Ylitalo, GREAT!) and also some female vocals to accentuate the whole thing. While "Learn The Dark" brings us some very varied song writing with calmer passages and some female vocals as well, embedded into the melodic Death of CADACROSS, "Morningstar" surprises by the excellent implementation of the accordion and "Flaming Amber" starts out like pure Power Metal with keyboards, before Sami Aarnio's harsh voice sets in again, reminding me a little of BRIMSTONE in the structuring, but altogether sounding more mature and cohesive. And throughout the album some classical and folky touches do their part to add diversity and class to the sound of this septet. Some will complain about the parallels to the bands I mentioned at the beginning, most prominently CHILDREN OF BODOM, but still CADACROSS manage to deliver a more than convincing piece of music that DOES sound different from the big names still, revealing some details only after repeated listens, which makes "Corona Borealis" a really recommendable album to genre fans! (Online February 11, 2003)
4/5
"The Metal Observer"
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One Word Review: Fantastic

Cada Cross has established a wonderfully explicit sound on Corona Borealis. I was immediately moved by this album, along with their sound, and rather disappointed that it took me so long to get to their release. This is a 2002 release, which obviously is not exactly "new"; however, I enjoyed listening to this album numerous times.

These Finnish boys and girl have created an immensely entertaining atmosphere with their music, much like Dimmu Borgir, Children of Bodom, and Amorphis do. In fact, on track 7 Cada Cross reminded me strongly of Dimmu Borgir. And throughout Corona Borealis, Cada Cross have extreme similarities to Children of Bodom - with their traditional Finnish sound. They combine many elements into their composition - including keys and female vocals - which always grabs my attention, and sets them apart from all the "others." Along with their many elements, they manage to keep a melodious tone throughout the album. These Finns also appear to derive their sound from a number of different genres, such as Power, Black, a bit of Death, and even Classical.

Corona Borealis is definitely an exceptional release that still should be sought after, regardless what year it came out in. The production of this album was done rather well, but could have had a few improvements. This release has something to offer everyone, and I suggest that everyone gives them a listen or two, whether you think it deserved 4 skulls or not!
4/5
"Metal Judgement"