THUNDERSTONE – Apocalypse Again [Japanese Edition] (2016)

THUNDERSTONE are back with a new album, “Apocalypse Again“, to be released next April 1 on AFM Records. The record has just been released in Japan under the title ‘Fire And Ice’ including a bonus track.
It has been six long years since the quintet last released a studio album but more importantly, it is the first in a decade to feature original vocalist Pasi Rantanen. And, on the basis of “Apocalypse Again”, it would appear that their returning vocalist has brought with him a renewed hunger and desire that has permeated the entire band.

I’m not a huge Power / Melodic Euro Metal fan, but this Finnish act is one of the few bands of the genre that have always been a tremendous favorite. The thing that appealed to me so much about them was the fact that they weren’t a straight forward, repetitive Power Metal band, always writing their music in a more melodic style.

Their brand new album is a stunning collection of rockers that seems inspired in the most successful era of the band (their first 3 albums). Not only is it a welcome joy to my ears to have Pasi’s magnificent voice back, but to hear the amazing guitar work of Nino Laurenne again on top of the brilliant songs is a joy untold.
Rounding out this pair is Titus Hjelm on bass, Jukka Karinen on keyboards, and Atte Palokangas on drums, solidifying the unit and gives reason as to why I Iove this band so much.
Blessing the listener with songs like “The Path,” “Walk Away Free,” “Wounds,” and “Barren Land”, Thunderstone prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they’re back and better than ever.

“Through The Pain” is slightly slower, almost ballad-like with an absolutely huge chorus and more of a melodic hard rock sheen. It’s a really storming track and one of my favourites on the record. Not for the first time, I’m reminded of Jorn Lande in Rantanen’s delivery..
This Japan version includes the bonus “Force Sublime”, another energetic track with flamboyant keyboards, killer riffs and a rousing chorus.

What I really like about Thunderstone on this record in particular is that they are not afraid to bust out the keyboard solos and more often than not, let them duel with the lead guitar.
Whether or not it was a deliberate act on the band’s part, the upfront and undiluted keys nevertheless create a slightly old-school feel to the material as well as an element of fun and devil-may-care attitude which I really like.

When I heard the advanced single (featured in 0dayrox’s March Advanced Singles) I was super stoked to check it out, and am happy to announce that the full “Apocalypse Again” doesn’t disappoint.
It is addictive, infectious and powerful. It has been a long time coming, but the wait was worth it as a rejuvenated Thunderstone have returned with one hell of a bang, producing a slab of impressive and expertly crafted melodic metal in the process.
An excellent return for a band that few people likely know, but will hopefully be rectified now. Welcome back guys! Stick around for a little while… perhaps forever.
Strongly Recommended

01. Veterans Of The Apocalypse
02. The Path
03. Fire And Ice
04. Through The Pain
05. Walk Away Free
06. Higher
07. Wounds
08. Days Of Our Lives
09. Barren Land
10. Force Sublime (Japan Bonus Track)

Pasi Rantanen – Vocals
Titus Hjelm – Bass
Nino Laurenne – Guitars
Jukka Karinen – Keyboards
Atte Palokangas – Drums

BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/MICP-11277
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