Metal Review: A Sound of Thunder - It Was Metal (Special Ed. 180 gm 2 LP Set Black/Orange Splatter)

Release Date: June 15, 2018

Label: Independent 
Website

I like having a history with an artist or band. This is the kind of relationship I have with A Sound of Thunder. I have always done my level best to cover their music and I go all the way back to the 2012 release Out of the Darkness. And here we are in 2018 and they are set to release another metal masterpiece. 

The band is Nina Osegueda (vocals, theremin), Josh Schwartz (guitars, keyboards), Jesse Keen (bass, keyboards) and Chris Haren   (drums, percussion).

The new album is titled It Was Metal. What is different this time is I have the 2 LP set in a limited run of black with an orange splatter in nice a tri-fold package. And yes, it looks very cool. And of course, the sound on vinyl is superb. And if you happen to a fan of comic books there is one that tells the story that is set to music. The comic book series by Bob Hall is what inspired this musical tribute.

It Was Metal is a story or concept if you. Call it what you like, it comes together with their own comic book and some incredibly good music. The music is Metal and much more. You will hear some prog, blues and few other unexpected things blaring through your speakers.

The opening track is “Phantom Flight (featuring Mark Tornillo)” and sets the tone for what there is ahead (more killer tracks). Then the curtain closer “Fortress of the Future Race,” is absolutely perfect. Keep in mind this is a story and that last track, which is one of the very best on the album, leaves the door open for a continuing saga…

This band pledges allegiance to no one and does not fit nicely into any box. Metal is a common thread that runs through their music however it ends up being a patchwork quilt with a lot thrown into the mix to make a very full and interesting listen. And who said you could not take Metal and bend and shape it into something more? A Sound of Thunder creates their own sound with a foundation of crunching guitars and a pounding rhythm section. The title certainly makes a statement however it means more than just a reference to the music because of the storyline, comic book, and artwork.

The one striking about this LP set is the artwork. The cover reminded of classic Dio and Judas Priest albums with all the demons rising from hell to destroy the earth. So, sharpen your blades and raise them up high to fight all you metal fans! It is all so much fun to put this whole thing together, hold it in your hand, and check out all the great pictures on the gatefold sleeves. It sure as hell beats a digital download but those are nice to have on your phone or iPod, I must admit. 

It Was Metal is complete musical experience as it was meant to be. You get a beautiful 180-gram splatter vinyl set, and then you can watch it spin around on your turntable. There is something mesmerizing about that, especially with colored vinyl of any kind.  As the music comes blaring out your speakers and fills the room you are in, you realize how much you have missed this kind of experience in the digital age.

So, what’s there not to like about this package? It is everything a true music fan could possibly ask for. And believe me, this band kicks some major ass and they play it all loud and proud just like any fan would expect. So, get this vinyl while you can and experience it all and feel the power of A Sound of Thunder. I think It Was Metal will inspire you to seek out more of this band’s catalog not to mention the classic metal albums you may not have heard in a while.


5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

May 24, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Tracks:
Side A:
01. Phantom Flight (featuring Mark Tornillo)
02. Lifebringer
03. Atlacatl

Side B 
04. The Crossroads Deal
05. It Was Metal
06. Obsidian & Gold (Desdinova Returns)

Side C:
07. Second Lives
08. Els Segadors (The Reapers)

Side D: 
09. Tomyris
10. Charles II
11. Fortress of the Future Race

Metal Review: A Sound of Thunder - It Was Metal (Special Ed. 180 gm 2 LP Set Black/Orange Splatter)

Release Date: June 15, 2018

Label: Independent 
Website

I like having a history with an artist or band. This is the kind of relationship I have with A Sound of Thunder. I have always done my level best to cover their music and I go all the way back to the 2012 release Out of the Darkness. And here we are in 2018 and they are set to release another metal masterpiece. 

The band is Nina Osegueda (vocals, theremin), Josh Schwartz (guitars, keyboards), Jesse Keen (bass, keyboards) and Chris Haren   (drums, percussion).

The new album is titled It Was Metal. What is different this time is I have the 2 LP set in a limited run of black with an orange splatter in nice a tri-fold package. And yes, it looks very cool. And of course, the sound on vinyl is superb. And if you happen to a fan of comic books there is one that tells the story that is set to music. The comic book series by Bob Hall is what inspired this musical tribute.

It Was Metal is a story or concept if you. Call it what you like, it comes together with their own comic book and some incredibly good music. The music is Metal and much more. You will hear some prog, blues and few other unexpected things blaring through your speakers.

The opening track is “Phantom Flight (featuring Mark Tornillo)” and sets the tone for what there is ahead (more killer tracks). Then the curtain closer “Fortress of the Future Race,” is absolutely perfect. Keep in mind this is a story and that last track, which is one of the very best on the album, leaves the door open for a continuing saga…

This band pledges allegiance to no one and does not fit nicely into any box. Metal is a common thread that runs through their music however it ends up being a patchwork quilt with a lot thrown into the mix to make a very full and interesting listen. And who said you could not take Metal and bend and shape it into something more? A Sound of Thunder creates their own sound with a foundation of crunching guitars and a pounding rhythm section. The title certainly makes a statement however it means more than just a reference to the music because of the storyline, comic book, and artwork.

The one striking about this LP set is the artwork. The cover reminded of classic Dio and Judas Priest albums with all the demons rising from hell to destroy the earth. So, sharpen your blades and raise them up high to fight all you metal fans! It is all so much fun to put this whole thing together, hold it in your hand, and check out all the great pictures on the gatefold sleeves. It sure as hell beats a digital download but those are nice to have on your phone or iPod, I must admit. 

It Was Metal is complete musical experience as it was meant to be. You get a beautiful 180-gram splatter vinyl set, and then you can watch it spin around on your turntable. There is something mesmerizing about that, especially with colored vinyl of any kind.  As the music comes blaring out your speakers and fills the room you are in, you realize how much you have missed this kind of experience in the digital age.

So, what’s there not to like about this package? It is everything a true music fan could possibly ask for. And believe me, this band kicks some major ass and they play it all loud and proud just like any fan would expect. So, get this vinyl while you can and experience it all and feel the power of A Sound of Thunder. I think It Was Metal will inspire you to seek out more of this band’s catalog not to mention the classic metal albums you may not have heard in a while.


5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

May 24, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By MuzikMan Reviews & News

Tracks:
Side A:
01. Phantom Flight (featuring Mark Tornillo)
02. Lifebringer
03. Atlacatl

Side B 
04. The Crossroads Deal
05. It Was Metal
06. Obsidian & Gold (Desdinova Returns)

Side C:
07. Second Lives
08. Els Segadors (The Reapers)

Side D: 
09. Tomyris
10. Charles II
11. Fortress of the Future Race

Metal Review: A Sound of Thunder-Tales from the Deadside

Release Date: September 25, 2015
Label: Mad Neptune Records
Website

Like a train made of adamantine and traveling faster than the speed of sound, A Sound of Thunder seems to be one metal band that cannot slow down or be stopped.  I became aware of them in 2012 with Out of the Darkness and was continually impressed with 2013’s Queen of Hell and Time’s Arrow and 2014’s The Lesser Key of Solomon.  The latter two are masterpieces as far as I am concerned, and it looks like we have another one in Tales from the Deadside.

Hailing from the Washington D.C. area, the band is comprised of Nina Osegueda (vocals), Justin Schwartz (guitar), Chris Haren (drums), and Jesse Keen (bass).  

Tales from the Deadside is their fifth album that is also a concept album based on the comic book character Shadowman.  It is a dark and bizarre journey that is not just worth the time, but it also represents A Sound of Thunder’s most ambitious and best effort to date.  It is one more masterpiece in an already impressive collection.

Tales from the Deadside gets off to a fantastic start with “Children of the Dark.”  It is one atmospheric and haunting song that is the first stop on this dark and exhilarating ride.  The vocals are in nothing less than top form and the guitars absolutely sizzle.  It is one of those songs that once you hear it, then you just cannot wait for the next song because you know that it is going to be good.  And “Sandria (Carry On)” proves this to be correct as it is a great song that gets better and better as it goes on.  It starts of slow and enticing, before kicking it up a couple of notches. Nina’s voice on this one is chilling.  There are some hair-raising moments that are sure to keep bringing you back for more.

Next up is “Can’t Go Back,” which beings with some sweet rhythmic drumming that pull the listener in.  It is all very heavy and melodic, as Nina’s vocals soar above it all for another stellar performance.  “Deadside” is an all-around great song from start to finish, with its sultry bassline running throughout this hard rocking tune. The dark and brooding first half is followed by an even more incredible second half, like two halves of a gothic dream.  It is a testament to the strength of this album that it just missed out on being a key track. That is because “Tower of Souls” is there to take its slot.  It is pure intensity for the very beginning, like an adrenaline shot to the heart. It is the type of song that could raise the dead.

“Losing Control (The Unquiet Shadow)” features more of the crushing metal sound that gives this album its heaviness.  The most energetic and pulsating song on the album, “Punk Mambo,” is an uncompromising rocker that really gets the blood pumping and the head banging.  Showing off some musical versatility is the emotional “Alyssa (Life in Shadows).” “Tremble” and “End Times” bring it on home with a loud and an entrancing ending, and fantastic performances that leave it all on the floor.

A Sound of Thunder’s Tales from the Deadside is a fun and an incredible album.  They have been able to surpass their previous effort once again.  It seems that they are amassing a discography full of masterpieces.  Tales from the Deadside is no exception and is as good as any place to start from if you are new to their music.  After this album, I cannot wait to hear from them again to see what they can come up with next.  

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Children of the Dark, Tower of Souls, End Times

Tracks: 
01. Children of the Dark
02. Sandria (Carry On)
03. Can’t Go Back
04. Deadside
05. Tower of Souls
06. Losing Control (The Unquiet Shadow)
07. Punk Mambo
08. Alyssa (Life in Shadows)
09. Tremble
10. End Times

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

February 9, 2016
 

Metal Review: A Sound of Thunder-The Lesser Key of Solomon

Release Date: September 9, 2014

Label: Mad Neptune Records

Website

Nothing speaks to an artist’s greatness like consistency, making one masterpiece after another.  With that in mind, I would say that A Sound of Thunder have enter the realms of greatness.  The quality of their music has been so high over the past few years that it is easy to see.  They first came to my attention with 2012’s Out of the Darkness, and grew in my esteem with 2013’s Queen of Hell and Time’s Arrow, an album that I called “a masterpiece.” Their latest release, The Lesser Keys of Solomon, is another one.

Based out of the Washington D.C. area, the band is comprised of Nina Osegueda (vocals), Justin Schwartz (guitar), Chris Haren (drums), and Jesse Keen (bass).  They have been together in their current line-up for over four years now and things could not be better from a musical standpoint, creating some of the finest heavy metal music around.  The Lesser Keys of Solomon is a rich and wonderful ride that is nothing but excellence.  

The short opener, “Nexus of Realities,” is a real tone setter, giving a glimpse of the dark and heavy moments that are to come. Headstrong and powerful, “Udoroth” has a presence unlike any new song that I have heard in a long time. With a tale to rival the myths and legends of old, it is one domineering metal song that will have you hitting the repeat button over and over. “Fortuneteller” keeps the ball rolling with its sick opening riff and crashing drums that is finally completed by the arrival of Nina’s amazing voice, bringing a seemingly mystical aspect to the song.

Changing the album’s pace is “The Boy Who Could Fly.”  It is slow, sad song that really plucks at the heartstrings thanks to the pain and emotion conveyed through Nina’s vocals.  Do not let the description as a “slow” song fool you, because this song is pure metal – just listen to the instrumental part in the second half of the song.  “Elijah” is an epic song that will take you on a wild and frightening journey.  It shows Nina at her absolute best, taking on the role of multiple characters that really show off her range and skill.  It is one dark tale that would make the Grimm Brothers proud. “Master of Pain” is pure classic heavy metal.  Heavy guitar riffs, crushing drums, and a powerful voice that soars above everything rules the day on this one.

“Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb” is another dark and heavy song which weaves a tale of horror and suspense, and would be right at home in a Hammer film.  The fantastic guitar solo and brisk drumming are the toppings on the cake.  “Black Secrets” carries a brooding heaviness and more fantastic rhythms, making it right at home with the rest of the album.   The ominous “One Empty Grave” and chilling “House of Bones” bring the album to an end.  “House of Bones” is one chilling, supernatural song, bringing all the elements that have made The Lesser Keys of Solomon so amazing together for one explosive conclusion. 

A Sound of Thunder has done it again with The Lesser Keys of Solomon.  They have made another phenomenal album to add to their already stellar track record.  They are my favorite new metal that has emerged over the last few years.  The Lesser Keys of Solomon is easily one of the top metal releases of the year.  If you are not paying attention to this band, then now is a great time to start. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Udoroth, Elijah, Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb

Tracks: 
01.Nexus of Realities
02.Udoroth
03.Fortuneteller
04.The Boy Who Could Fly
05.Elijah
06.Master of Pain
07.Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb
08.Black Secrets
09.One Empty Grave
10.House of Bones

Brian McKinnon

September 24, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review