Reptilian Thunderblaze
Regain Records - 2002
By Adam McAuley
Power metal is a genre that I only occasionally listen to, and with good reason. You can only derive a certain amount of pleasure from the candy-coated melodies and catchy harmonies that are offered. And while a few solid contenders stand out, I much prefer traditional metal. Happy sounding (but slightly trivial) music is a reason for this; repeated listenings cause such things to easily overstay their welcome and become tedious. Also, the majority of acts within the genre (that I've heard) haven't really deviated far from the early Helloween roots that I so adore.
Rhapsody, for instance, offer an interesting alternative to the norm with their incorporation of heavily symphonic attributes, but I'd still much rather bask in the glory of Keeper of the Seven Keys than a release like this one, Thunderblaze. The complaints I have with the album are much the same as those I have with any other power metal band; it's just more of the same. Aside from some nifty solo work, typical galloping power metal is offered here, and with it comes a typical response.
It's right middle of the line, orchestral and very spirited, but sort of generic. Expect the usual dose of incredibly fantastical lyrical material. Nothing jumps out at makes me take notice in any way though...it's just too common and expected. If you're a huge power metal fan check Thunderblaze out, otherwise give this one a miss.
6.5/10
Official Regain Records Website
Regain Records - 2002
By Adam McAuley
Power metal is a genre that I only occasionally listen to, and with good reason. You can only derive a certain amount of pleasure from the candy-coated melodies and catchy harmonies that are offered. And while a few solid contenders stand out, I much prefer traditional metal. Happy sounding (but slightly trivial) music is a reason for this; repeated listenings cause such things to easily overstay their welcome and become tedious. Also, the majority of acts within the genre (that I've heard) haven't really deviated far from the early Helloween roots that I so adore.
Rhapsody, for instance, offer an interesting alternative to the norm with their incorporation of heavily symphonic attributes, but I'd still much rather bask in the glory of Keeper of the Seven Keys than a release like this one, Thunderblaze. The complaints I have with the album are much the same as those I have with any other power metal band; it's just more of the same. Aside from some nifty solo work, typical galloping power metal is offered here, and with it comes a typical response.
It's right middle of the line, orchestral and very spirited, but sort of generic. Expect the usual dose of incredibly fantastical lyrical material. Nothing jumps out at makes me take notice in any way though...it's just too common and expected. If you're a huge power metal fan check Thunderblaze out, otherwise give this one a miss.
6.5/10
Official Regain Records Website
