AFM Records [Release date 01.04.16]

Thunderstone are another one of AFM’s hidden treasures that I’ve never actually listened to before and now they return with their sixth studio release “Apocalypse Again”.

Guitarist Nino Laurenne put the band together back in 2000 in Finland and they released their self-titled debut in 2002. The band still features vocalist Pasi Rantanen and bassist Titus Hjelm from that debut release.

Keyboard player Jukka Karinen joined in 2008 whilst new drummer Atte Palokangas joined in 2014. Pasi Rantanen actually left the band back in 2007 and At Vance vocalist Rick Altzi took over for the poorly received “Dirt Metal” (2009) but he was persuaded to re-join in 2013 after Altzi left.

From the opening notes of Veterans of the Apocalypse to the last bar of Barren Land the quality of “apocalypse Again” shines brightly. This is superb melodic power metal with references to Helloween, Stratrovarius, Avantasia, Jorn, Symphony X, Primal Fear et al.

The intro to Higher reminded me of Survivor, the slower Through the Pain could be a Jorn number and Days of Our Lives brings a Bob Catley fronted Avantasia tune to mind.

Fire & Ice can’t be faulted from the powerful vocals, superb melody and prominent keyboards. Wounds brings a bit of speed to the party coming on like Primal Fear crossed with Stratovarius.

Thunderstone know how to bring the light and shade to the songs which is where a lot of the so called “power metal” bands fail.

“Apocalypse Again” is a “big” sounding metal release that is just a little “over the top” but is a wonderful listen from start to finish. Well done guys!

A grandiose opus indeed.  ****½

Review by Phil Berisford

---

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

---

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

---

Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

---

---

Popular (last 10 days)

---