Nergard “Destiny” (TNT cover) for #METALMOMENTUM

Band:Nergard
Tittle: “Destiny” (Cover Single)
Label: Self-released
Release date: January 16th, 2025
Country: Norway
Format reviewed: High-quality digital recording

(Single Review) Nergard “Destiny” (TNT Cover): The rebirth and transformation of an epic journey through love, self discovery, and destiny.

“Nergard breathes new life into TNT’s Destiny, transforming the hard rock classic into a stunning symphonic metal masterpiece. A breathtaking fusion of cinematic orchestration, powerful vocals, and deep emotion awaits in this beautifully reimagined journey”. By Elyna Steel.

Welcome to a new edition of Metal Momentum. Today we will delve into the latest work of  Nergard. It is “Destiny”, a wonderful cover of the classic by Norwegian Hard Rock band TNT, one of the main musical influences of its leader, Andreas Nergard.

This is the first take that the band has released after the wonderful album “Live In Kalvåa” from 2023, after which the departure of singer Stefani Keogh took place. The current line-up that accompanies Andreas is made up of the masters Andi Kravljaca and Mathias Molund Indergård on vocals, Runar Grimstad on drums and Magnus Johansen on keyboards.

The beautiful story behind “Destiny” depicts a deeply emotional journey, in the midst of an existential conflict, and the beginning of a trip into the unknown, in search of fundamental answers to understand the reason for the life experience. In this whirlwind, love and the connection between two people — “two hearts colliding in one soul” — are shown as fundamental elements for the success of that journey. Two people who love each other and whose connection is stronger than any obstacle, hand in hand, walk through the life experience. The union of those hearts balances the forces, they support each other, they encourage each other. It is as if those hearts had been predestined to meet at some point along the way, to undertake the journey of self-knowledge together, each one doing their own thing, but side by side. After all, love is the most powerful force that exists, more than uncertainty, fear, differences, distances or even death itself. 

All in all, “Destiny” reflects that destiny is not an individual or solitary path, nor does it have to be. Destiny can also be a shared experience, where connection, love and support between two beings are essential to undertake the search for answers to the unknown. So now you know; you can always walk your own path, accompanied and accompanying from respect, love and the deepest connection with another one -two hearts, colliding in one soul.

As for the music, the composition is structured in a medium to fast tempo, in 4/4 time. TNT’s original version is in a higher key, within the Hard Rock framework. Nergard cleverly takes that version, and masterfully places it in Metal, making it melodic, symphonic and spectacular. The tuning is lower, which adds depth and drama to the melodic base, while the brilliant and cinematic orchestrations enhance the strength and emotionality of the lyrical narrative. 

In turn, the vocals are a spectacle themselves. The original version starts with fairly high notes. In contrast, Nergard’s version features two of the best voices in metal, which is evident as the first verses begin. Andi Kravljaca starts spectacularly and powerfully in the middle register, nuancing, with a lot of chest resonance, lowering the original key. This variation makes the first moment of listening much more intimate, providing textures that feel exquisite. Then it’s the turn of Mathias, who follows the same mid-tone tuning and plenty of chest resonance, providing brilliance and power to the whole. In the chorus, both feature a harmonic duet, Andi on low notes and Mathias on high notes. Spectacular! Dramatic, intense and full of the spirit of melodic metal that Nergard manages to create so well. 

As for the rhythmic and melodic base, Negard’s “Destiny” results in a very“Nergard” song. So Nergard that if someone had told me this song wasn’t a cover but it was written by the band, I wouldn’t doubt it for a second! Maybe TNT’s influence on Andreas Nergard has something to do here, yet the point is; the original version was worked in such a way that it’s not noticeable that it’s a cover for those who don’t know TNT. I, for example.

Another aspect to highlight is that all the rhythmic and melodic elements were impeccably crafted, integrating fluidly and harmonically with each other. Moreover —and this is what differentiates a good cover from a spectacular one— guitars, keyboards, drums and bass, along with the outstanding orchestrations added to this cover, which do not exist in the original version, have the Nergard sound. That is to say, “Destiny” was transferred, transmuted from Hard Rock to a deeply melodic, symphonic, dramatic and cinematic sonic kingdom. Without changing the basic structure, Nergard transformed this classic into a new beauty, full of magic, poetry and power. In this sense, Andreas Nergard is a master of melodic metal, and “Destiny”, although a cover, is a sample of that mastery.

In a nutshell, Nergard achieves something truly special with their version of this TNT’s classic. It is not just a cover, but a complete, and faithful to the original structure at the same time. Furthermore, “Destiny” now exists in melodic and symphonic metal, embellished by an epic and cinematic atmosphere courtesy of the magical orchestrations, which demonstrate the band’s mastery in the genre. The voices of the beloved maestro Andi Kravljaca and the great Mathias Molund Indergård are a spectacle in themselves. From the beginning, the power of their interpretations, and the stunning harmonies achieved in the choruses, create a feeling of intimacy that captivates. In turn, the rhythmic and melodic structure worked to perfection, provide fluidity and cohesion to the overall, as well as coherence between lyrics and music. This enhances more profoundly the universal message of love and soul connection between two beings, facing the transcendental journey towards self-knowledge. 

So guys… Destiny awaits, love drives you, and Nergard accompanies you on the journey. Enjoy it! 10/10 by Elyna

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