Thor - Hammer Of Justice

Thor

Hammer Of Justice

by Craig Rider at 27 June 2019, 3:30 PM

Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: THOR; signed via DeadLine Music, hailing from Canadian grounds - performing Heavy/Power Metal/Hard Rock, on their 22nd album entitled: "Hammer Of Justice" (released April 26th, 2019).

Since formation in 1973; the band in question have 22 albums in their discography so far, having been acquainted with THOR – I am indeed interested on listening to, and reviewing this one. 11 tracks ranging at around 40:44; "Hammer Of Justice" arranges an intricately designed formula of hardened amalgamations including Heavy/Power Metal/Hard Rock developments. "Beginning Of The End" begins the record; stomping with stampeding thumps, vehement versatility that ultilizes rowdy ramifications with uniquely organic substance. Conveying boistrously bouncy hooks, hasty flamboyancy and an adroit aesthetic of concrete gnarliness - generating a thick yet meaty sound production of profusely robust precision. Demonstrating catchy cheesiness, and an energetic fuel of hymns that will make you want to transform - viking style!

Consisting of Thor himself on vocals; the muscular frontman distributes a clean yet rawly rough skill of diligently high-pitched pipes, screaming with vengeful stability. "Warp 5000" establishes complexly dextrous creativity from lead guitarist John Leibel; delivering riveting riffs and sonically seamless solos that thunder with blistering barrages of frenzied harmonies, chugging and galloping into a consistently dynamic flair of frolicking distinctions. "Return Of The Thunderhawk" injects infectiously groovy fabrications from audible bassist Ted Jedlicki; battering his axe with pursuits of meticulous manifestations, pummelling virtuosity and crunchy characteristics – forging a dosage of blends in which varies with quintessential quakes & amplified adrenaline…converging constructively distinguished concepts with ripping shreds & skill.

"Victory" charges gritty attributes; captivating snappiness, & solid slabs of rapidly swift nimbleness from guitarist Matt McNallie. Contrasting excelling execution; fierce deadliness, soaring thunder & speedy quirks that showcase relentlessly roaring melodies with mellifluous silver linings – fusing a borderline foundation of punchline perservence & rambunctious results. "As The Dragon Flies" embellishes on experimental elements; implementing instrumental jumpiness, juxtaposed with subtle firepower & expertise. My only gripe is perhaps the vocals; they feel enforced a bit too strongly, which while not a bad thing… only it may take some getting used to…a "growing on me" process. Hammering drummer Tom Croxton also articulates in an furociously battering dimension of formulaic euphonics & crushing slams.

"It's Our Right" adminsters fluidly polished sound production prominence; pulsing with old-school traditions of standard sub-genre transistions. (heavily reminding me of new-school ROSS THE BOSS' song "We Got The Right"). "Beyond The Wall" examines frantic imagination; oozing with persevering tempos, salubrious soundscapes & prestigious songwriting patterns that flow into a battle-ready subjugation of triumphant momentum. "Destroyinator" supplies psychedelic pandemonium; portraying persistent techniques, wildly rushing sharpness & volatile musicianship that thumps with stomping panache. The titular track revolves around a striking remarkability of ambtiously enthusiastic finesse; enjoyably entertaining craftsmanship, & exuberant fulfillments… killer kicks, mixed with linear orchestrations while simple yes they still pack a punch.

"Wotan" overarch's with sophisticating potential; twisted with unique material that transforms into an evolved craze, fusing an almost Proggy ritual to it - integrating atmospheric Space Rock that is indeed refreshingly talented. Overall concluding "Hammer Of Justice" with the finale track: "The End"; which opens with a thick, yet monstrously weighty bass cut – shifting  towards a prompt punk portion, with strong rhythms and a constructively distinguished edge of hardcore bashing around in the backdrop bit. Bottom line; I am compelled to say that while the vocals will hopefully "grow" on me, THOR excelled all original expectations and I enjoyed an entertaining piece of musicality - as they certainly outdone themselves here, albeit a glorified experience… 22 records on; I think the band are certified enough as rocking veterans. Definitely worth checking out!

Songwriting: 7
Memorability: 7
Originality: 7
Sound Production: 8