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Thunderstone: Apocalypse Again
 I've been following the melodic metal group Thunderstone since their self-titled debut album in 2002, and I certainly was pleased to read the news that vocalist Pasi Rantanen had returned to the group having departed in 2007 after the stellar Evolution 4.0. While Pasi didn't appear on their last album back in 2009 Dirt Metal despite this change in lead vocalist with Rick Altzi (At Vance/Masterplan) who did a fantastic job the band recorded a very addictive album. Thunderstone are finally back with their sixth album and this one is titled Apocalypse Again, it's hard to comprehend that seven years have passed since the Finnish group's last recording. Thunderstone seemed to be going from strength to strength releasing some of the best melodic metal albums. Another similar group that I am also very fond of Nocturnal Rites haven't released an album since 2007, so I was very enthusiastic when I read that Thunderstone were back when so many talented groups have been absent for too long.
Apocalypse Again really is a great sounding album, and Thunderstone's power metal roots haven't been forgotten on "Veterans Of The Apocalypse" with soaring vocals, guitars and keyboards and a healthy amount of swift double kick drumming, the later track "Wounds" is another thunderous speedster. Settling in at mid pace the band takes us on "The Path" an ultra catchy melodic metal rocker as Pasi Rantanen's vocals star on the chorus, "Fire and Ice" and "Through The Pain" are further addictive melodic metal tracks. The energy level is raised for the very good "Walk Away Free", next it's hammond time on the rocking "Higher" and those cool organ sounds are so fine in the solo section. The tempo is subdued on "Days Of Our Lives" which has one of the album's best choruses and then we find the epic finale "Barren Land" quite the tempo shifter that ends another impressive Thunderstone melodic metal album strongly.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1. Veterans Of The Apocalypse
2. The Path
3. Fire And Ice
4. Through The Pain
5. Walk Away Free
6. Higher
7. Wounds
8. Days Of Our Lives
9. Barren Land
Added: June 12th 2016
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:  
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Thunderstone: Apocalypse Again
Posted by Pete Pardo, SoT Staff Writer on 2016-06-12 07:11:40
My Score:
With original vocalist Pasi Rantanen being welcomed back with open arms, it's no surprise that Apocalypse Again, the latest release from veteran power metal act Thunderstone, is as successful as it is. Soaring choruses, chugging guitar riffs, nimble guitar & synth explorations, and speedy rhythms are all the rage here, right from the outset on "Veterans of the Apocalypse", through the dramatic "The Path", the progressive tinged "Fire and Ice", all the way to the epic, moody, and quite powerful closer "Barren Land". Pasi's vocals are superb throughout, but his bandmates are also more than up to the task, the group delivering an enjoyable, fun, and heavy album here the pushes all the right power metal buttons with ease. If you haven't yet discovered Thunderstone, this is certainly a great place to start your journey.
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Thunderstone: Apocalypse Again
Posted by Butch Jones, SoT Staff Writer on 2016-05-27 06:57:09
My Score:
Finnish Power Metal band, Thunderstone, have returned after a lengthy absence and have also reunited with their original lead vocalist, Pasi Rantanen. The result is a new record entitled, Apocalypse Again (AFM Records) that is return to their former Melodic Power Metal glory. 9 tracks filled with tasteful songwriting combined with the bands powerful delivery and soaring vocals.
With Rantanen back in the fold, his recognizable vocals are a welcomed piece of the puzzle that ultimately makes this record. From the fast and furious opening track, "Veterans of the Apocalypse" to the more melodic, "Through The Pain" or the epic CD closer, "Barren Land", the vocals steal the show. Don't get me wrong, the band as a whole are firing on all cylinders, but make no mistake Rantanen's vocals accompanied by a batch of great vehicle of songs make Apocalypse Again a winner. The song "Higher" is an excellent example of a bit of great writing with soulful, emotive vocals that indeed "take you higher" with a guitar riff that will get stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
With catchy verses and chorus' that are stacked up with melodic Power Metal, great Classically influenced musicianship and great vocals, how can you go wrong? Apocalypse Again shows a hungry and revitalized band that are poised to pick up right where they left off back when vocalist Pasi Rantanen left after their 2007 record Evolution 4.0. These Finns that are Thunderstone are back!
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