Thunderstone: The Burning

Someone poses the question: "What is power metal?" You would probably tell them that it's principally a Eurpoean style based on the sounds introduced by Helloween in 1985, unlike most metal it mainly uses major keys rather than the doomy, heavy minor chords of other genres of metal, it is usually positive and upbeat, and the sound is often characterized by big 2- and 3-part vocal harmonies with not a grunt to be heard. Or you could simply say "It's like this-" and play them Thunderstone's second album, The Burning.

This Finnish band must be sick of the inevitable Stratovarius comparisons. But those associations are not made just because of a shared national identity – they are musically valid. Thunderstone also has a lot in common with fellow Scandinavian/Nordic acts like Sonata Arctica, Nocturnal Rites and Hammerfall.

Frontman Pasi Rantanen's voice has a remarkable range. The standard falsetto wailing seems to come easily, although his delivery is a little rougher than the Kotipeltos of the world, recalling the best of the '80s. But Rantanen shows his versatility in the lower registers, which gives the songwriters latitude to explore a good variety of styles on this album – ranging from speed metal to riff-based mid-paced rockers to the inevitable power ballad. The vocals and the solid songwriting are the biggest strengths on this album. The song structures are varied but do not have the complexities or technical flair of progressive metal, but the guitar work is solid, and several passages feature blistering guitar / keyboard interchanges.

We understand the commercial release of The Burning will include digipak versions of six bonus tracks. three covers and three demos of songs from the group's debut.

This album breaks no new ground. It is generic power metal, well played by a very talented quintet, and superbly produced. But then who said it had to be unique? Some music doesn't have to be anything special to be a very nice listen.

Track Listing:

1. Until We Touch The Burning Sun
2. Break The Emotions >mp3
3. Mirror Never Lies
4. Tin Star Man
5. Spire
6. Sea Of Sorrow
7. Side By Side
8. Drawn To The Place
9. Forth Into The Black
10. Evil Within

Added: December 25th 2009
Reviewer: Duncan Glenday
Score:
Related Link: Thunderstone's Web Site
Hits: 3920
Language: english

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