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The Thunderstoners are from Finland. They sound Finnish and in my humble opinion they have finished their childhood-stage and have now bloomed out to one of the absolutely best heavy/power metal bands out there. This is exactly how I want them to sound. This is one of this years (2005) best albums. Their self-titled debut sounded, well... like a debut. A playful album with a couple of great songs, and some that is not as great. Two years after, in 2004, "The Burning" came out. An album with a nice artwork and with just the right approach for a follow-up. A better album in song-construction but with a loss of the playfulness from "Thunderstone". A more mature record but an average one.
So now, this year of 2005 it was time for the important third album. Would they turn to a more commercial direction or find own ways and really develop their own sound? I haven't heard all Sonata Arcticas' or Stratovarius' albums but I don't think Thunderstone sound all Finnish anymore. A brave step is to waste almost every fast passage and really concentrate on mid-paced heavy metal and a truly heavy sound instead. A brave step that works above expectations. You can tell that these guys know each other well and have fun together, because the outcome is very well thought-through and well composed but not with a too heavy tone. The songs are easy to listen to and because of the very straight and clear rhythm they are also captivating in a way that only good songs can be in this tempo.
One thing they have kept through the years though is the clear production. Sound-wise the previous albums are very good and "Tools..." is not an exception. One of the biggest developments, on the other hand – except for the song-writing in all – is Pasi Rantanens' use of his voice. He is not your usual, everyday, nut-squeezed yeller but a vocalist of class and his rough/harsh but still clear voice fits perfect for this music. Both the really slow bits and parts as well as the faster, heavier ones is complemented and enhanced in feeling by his voice. You could even compare Pasi with giants like Jörn Lande and Bruce Dickinson.
What I'm really trying to say is: This is a buy or die album for every heavy metal fan. It doesn't sound like everything else. It's better! Just check any song out for yourself. From the melodic and heavy opener "Tool Of The Devil" to the epic closer "Land Of Innocence".
"ANOTHER MORNING, ANOTHER DAY. ANOTHER SUNSET IS ON ITS WAY. [...] ANOTHER UNDEFINED FEELING TAKES OVER AGAIN."
| Tracklist |
| 1. Tool Of The Devil |
| 2. Without Wings |
| 3. Liquid Of The Kings |
| 4. I Will Come Again |
| 5. Welcome To The Real |
| 6. The Last Song |
| 7. Another Time |
| 8. Feed The Fire |
| 9. Weight Of The World |
| 10. Land Of Innocence |
| Bonus tracks: |
| 11. Spire (Accoustic Radio Live Version) |
| 12. Spread My Wings (First Demo Version) |
: 63.09
| Buy other Thunderstone albums |
