Release Date: June
15, 2018
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
5/5 Stars
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
May 24, 2018
Founder of:
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
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
