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
Thunderblast
Title
Warzone
Type
LP/EP
Company
Independent
YOR
2004
Style
Power
5/26/2005 - Review by: Eric Compton
Thunderblast - Warzone - 2004 - Self Released

Track Listing
1. Prime Destruction
2. Cyber Titan
3. Ignition
4. Annihilator
5. Army Of One
6. Spirit Of Vengeance
7. Warzone (Instrumental)
8. Firebinder
9. Rampage
10. Alliance To Vindicate
11. Turbo
12. Devastators
I caught up to this Columbian act while surfing Sentinel Steel's huge catalogue. It looks like Thunderblast managed to land a small distro deal with Denis, the Sentinel Steel owner who has a great knack for finding quality, well hidden power metal treasurs. Thunderblast is really no exception to the tradition, with their debut, "Warzone" hitting the boards running, letting loose a firefight of epic speed racers. With only one record under their wing I just find it amazing that a band like this exists simply to not exist. How do we miss these mighty underground superstars, and why do they remain hidden under the foliage, deeply concealed for just the right hunter to stir them out? Time has yet to explain this and I have no answers for it, only I can just simply put right what has been wronged and explain the many wonders of Thunderblast.

What a great name huh? Ranks up there with Loudblast or Omegalord. Just beaming with confidence and self worth, and in all honesty they deserve to stand tall, metals adorning chest in a smooth view of the outside world. Thunderblast have created quite a commotion with this rally call, a rather smooth sailing through twelve heavy metal land mines sure to set necks in motion no matter the extreme or perverse. This band could appeal to anyone, just like the Iron Maiden and Slayers of the known universe, anyone who likes their brains shaken and stirred will find plenty to like here.

The biggest asset to the group is simply guitarist German "War" Guerra, who at times can play like a neo-classical shredder, while other times he takes the more traditional power approach, with tons of melody and leads sorted through topsy turvy licks and chops. Vocalist and bassist Felipe "Phill" Franco is a calculated voice, reserving his power and strength for just the right timing and occasion. Rounding out the three piece is Ricardo "Sabo" Sabocal, a talented drummer who obviously came into this circle with influences ranging from Maiden and Saxon to Priest and Motorhead. One can't help but get caught up in the military imagery on this release, with colorful and vibrant gloss depicting metallic soldiers of the night unleashing a barrage of hellstorm and fury. With that in mind, I'll take a military pose with my description of songs, sort of lend a hand to the full metal jackets obviously worn by this proud metal militia.

Really as a whole Thunderblast reach deep into Primal Fear's cache of well oiled weaponry, cocking and loading like any proud German trooper. Fans of Steel Prophet and Guardians Of Time will enjoy the high speed chase of title track instrumental "Warzone". "Firebinder" rages with a Maidenish new wave flavor, really showing off some beautifully orchestrated melody out of Guerra's heavy barrels. "Rampage" kicks with a rowdy ode to Finland metal, most notably Stratovarius. "Alliance To Vindicate" goes for a more streamline approach, with Guerra throwing in some 80s tendencies while still keeping an anthem uniformity to the tale. "Turbo" is exactly that, Thunderblast reaching down to ignite a little more, clashing two high speed affairs in German tech-thrash and Bay Area razzle-dazzle, combining both into the perfect battle rig.

"Warzone" ends with a commanding stature and pose, an album that really shows might and muscle in this highly contested battlefield. These metal youngsters have performed just fine, with a quality debut that is sure to spin some heads. Certainly I will be adding Thunderblast to my upcoming "Rookie Sensations" column, and I urge you to add "Warzone" to your shopping list pronto. Private, do I make myself clear!?!


--EC 05.23.05

  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: THUNDERBLAST
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Invaders From Another World
2011
Pure Steel
Eric Compton1/12/2012
4
Warzone
2004
Independent
Eric Compton5/26/2005
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: THUNDERBLAST
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE
Felipe FrancoEric Compton1/13/2012
Felipe FrancoEric Compton6/5/2005


<< back >>