A Sound Of Thunder-Out of the Darkness

Nightmare Records
2012


A Sound Of Thunder are yet another young band looking to bring back the sorely missed sound and style of classic heavy metal. Formed in 2008 by guitarist Josh Schwartz and drummer Chris Haren the band really found their mark when lead vocalist Nina Osegueda joined the following year. After releasing a self-titled EP in 2009 and supporting the West Memphis Three in 2010 with the charity single, "Justice at Last" the band released their first full length album, "Metal Renaissance" last year. By then they had been joined by bassist Ben Washburn and the release of "Metal Renaissance" drew positive reviews and proved to be just the right boost the band needed. With "Out of the Darkness" due for release in March the positive reviews should come pouring out yet again as the band draws on it's influences to create one killer follow-up. It is always a positive sign for me to see a promo suggest an album for fans of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Deep Purple, Blue Oyster Cult, Dio, Accept, Rainbow, Ozzy, Hammerfall, Primal Fear and Sabaton. Sure, once in awhile you do get PR folks who wouldn't know Accept from Avenged Sevenfold and as such the comparisons are a million miles off. Fear not though as this is no Avenged Sevenfold. Rather what we have the pleasure of hearing here is fantastic female-fronted classic heavy metal born from not only the sound of 80's metal but 70's hard rock/metal. Throw in some progressive touches, classic rock and modern power metal moments and what you end up with is a great LP sure to bring a smile to your face. Personal favorite moments included the killer power metal title track, the raging rock number "Kill That Bitch" and the metal or die feel of "The Nightwitch". Of the ten tracks those caught hold of my ear first and gave it a nice ripping although the whole platter was a feast. If this album is any indication then it looks like 2012 is going to be another year of old fashioned style heavy metal!