Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Thunderblast - Warzone - 2004 - Self Released

Track Listing1. 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