From the land of a thousand lakes surfaces yet another new melodic heavy metal band and they are set to take the world by storm. Thunderstone, labeled as power metal by Nuclear Blast, in fact plays very traditional melodic heavy metal. While power metal elements are undeniably present, Thunderstone’s music is much more dynamic and diverse than the average power metal band and the term power metal simply does not do justice to this band’s talent. The fast and double bass drum driven songs “Let the Demons Free”, “Me, My Enemy” and “Like Father, Like Son” are without question influenced by their Finnish bigger brother, Stratovarius, but all comparisons end there. Thunderstone’s music is not limited to up-tempo heavy metal songs with simple straightforward guitar riffs, like so many of the other bands in the power metal scene. No, on the contrary, Thunderstone derives its power from diversity, interchanging catchy up-tempo songs with slow and melancholic ballads like “Spread My Wings” and the almost ‘painfully’ beautiful “Weak”. Moreover, Thunderstone does not lower themselves to the use of cliché fantasy covers or lyrics (no “Raise your Sword and Slay the Dragon” lyrics) but instead concentrates on more personal topics, setting this band even further apart from the average band in the scene.

The music on this album is not in any way anything new and a myriad of influences can easily be heard, ranging from Queensr˙che to Dream Theater. However, the band’s excellent vocals, dynamic keyboards and powerful guitar riffs outshine most of their competitors. Add to that an excellent production and the result is easily the best newcomer in the power metal scene. Thunderstone’s debut album was an absolute surprise and a very positive one to someone like me, who lost his faith in melodic heavy metal years and years ago. Finally a band that can walk in Queenr˙che’s, Fates Warning’s and Dream Theater’s footsteps and shake off the bad taste the words power metal leave in my mouth! Simply excellent; Thunderstone has all the elements to indeed take the world by storm and the storm will start on Wacken Open Air!