Roulette [Release date 20.10.23]
Renowned Samson (and former Iron Maiden) drummer is not one to rest on his laurels, and since resurrecting his eponymous band in 2017, he’s kept rocking and entertaining. And this new album has kept the standards up.
While with Samson, Thunderstick became the theatrical face of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, and upon leaving, he released an excellent EP and LP (later reissued as Echoes Of The Analog Asylum on CD in 2011), and work again with Samson on and off; I first met Thunders at a Samson show at the London Astoria in 2000 (check out the live release), and there we have a wonderful guy with a story or two, and his imposing and at times scary performance help make a show as much as his drumming. Cage or no cage.
2017 saw the release of Something Wicked This Way Comes, followed by the excellent live Something Wicked This Way Came. Now 2023 sees Lockdown. The title would suggest work undertake during the lockdown, but equally applies to anyone in the asylum. And retaining bassist Rex Thunderbolt, the band now features guitarists Peter J Pinto and Dave Buffers, and replacing Vixen we have the wonderful (and beautiful) Raven Blackwing. Her vocals are, from the outset, solid, rich, powerful, and she can scream like she’s telling you who’s in charge.
The album opens with Cortege Of The Dark Princess, drumrolls reminiscent of Thunderburst. Then it’s into Torn ’n’ Twisted, a full on sonic assault. While the guitars could be a little higher in the mix, the emphasis is on the vocals and rhythm section. When the guitars do come through there’s some cracking riffs, great solo too, and the bassline rocks. Thunderstick himself shines throughout, and the operatic range of the vocals is stunning.
Snakebite and there’s a 70s bluesy influence to the metal, gives just a hint of sleaze (think a nod to Dogs D’Amour, Stones or Black Crowes turned up to 11), and again vocals that’ll straighten you out. I’m A Rockstar (In My Head) is musically a well thought star song, some interesting rhythms and guitar lines. Then Who The Devil Are You has a great and catchy groove. If this one doesn’t get you nodding, you’re still strapped to the wall in the asylum.
Warhead (the first of three songs running over 8 minutes, this one just shy of 10) has a very thoughtful feel. A gentler start, marching band style drumming. It does pick up, showing versatility in the vocals. Similarly the structure in writing and of the bassline in Snowfall In Space shows intelligence and intrigue. Then there’s Thunder Thunder 23, a real blast and a lovely contrast.
Dawn Of The Crystal Night (another eight minute track) features some good vocal layering, and the mid pace contrasts nicely some of the previous songs.
14 songs, 78 minutes, you get your money’s worth here. The whole band are to be praised, not just in performance, but song writing and structure. There is some great work here, and may this line-up release another album soon.
Classic rock is quality and lives on, here’s the proof. ****
Review by Joe Geesin
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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)
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14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
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