Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Thunderstone
Title
The Burning
Type
LP/EP
Company
Nuclear Blast
YOR
2004
Style
Power
1/20/2004 - Review by: Anthony Burke
Thunderstone - The Burning 2004 Nuclear Blast Records - Reviewed by IcedMojo

Track Listing
1. Until We Touch The Burning
2. Break The Emotions
3. Mirror Never Lies
4. Tin Man Star
5. Spire
6. Sea Of Sorrow
7. Side By Side
8. Drawn To The Flame
9. Forth Into The Black
10. Evil Within
Finland, known for such greats as Sinergy, Nightwish, Stratovarius and many more. Now, add Thunderstone to that list.

This melodic power metal band, formed in 2000 by guitarist Nino Laurenne (former Antidote singer and guitarist), started as nothing more than just a one man side project and later, with the additions of Pasi Rantanen (Vocals),Mirka "Leka" Rantanen (Drums), Kari Tornack (Keyboards), and Titus Hjelm (Bass & Backing Vocals), the Thunderstone of today was born.

“The Burning” marks the band's second release through Nuclear Blast, with whom they signed in late 2001. With a kickback sound of the eighties, it is obvious that Thunderstone has not forgotten the sound that brought metal to the dance. With songs such as “Mirror Never Lies”, “Evil Within” and “Side By Side”, the band sounds like a heavier version of the 70's band “Yes”. Keeping with the melodic aspect, there comes a slow, soft ballad. A glorious mix of keyboards, guitars, orchestra interludes, and a vocal effort of sheer emotion, “Sea Of Sorrow” uses a sound that is a mixture as such hits like “November Rain” by Guns N Roses, “Beth” by Kiss, and “Bed Of Roses” by Bon Jovi. “Fade Into Black” portrays the darker side of this group. Vocals that resemble the great Ronnie James Dio and musical talents resembling Nightwish, Stratovarius, or Rhapsody, this is a Thunderstone that is sure to please.

On a side note, the fist Thunderstone demo featured Nino Laurenne as lead vocalist. Titus Hjelm was bassist on that demo and a former band mate with Nino in Antidote. That demo was released in 3 song demo was released in 2000 with all the band members except Kari Tornack, who was added in 2001 before recording a new 3 song demo which helped them become signed by Nuclear Blast.

My personal rating on this is a 9/10. I love Stratovarius, Nightwish, and Savatage. These are all bands they tend to resemble. The eighties kick back is a definite plus. The album I think is a metal masterpiece. Production I think is wonderful. The musicianship is right up my alley, the song writing strayed a little from greatness but that fact can be looked past. The cover art is mediocre but the booklet is very interesting. Borderline, a perfect album (best album so far of 2004, but this is only January)

--IcedMojo 01.21.04
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: THUNDERSTONE
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
The Burning
2004
Nuclear Blast
Anthony Burke1/20/2004
-
Tools Of Destruction
2005
Nuclear Blast
Ken Pierce8/12/2005
-
Tools Of Destruction
2005
Nuclear Blast
Eric Compton7/7/2005
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: THUNDERSTONE
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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