Maximum Metal Rating Legend

When I first saw the name of this band, I immediately knew that they were inspired by Robert E. Howard and the Conan universe.

Hailing from Vienna, Tulsadoom took their name from the villain from the Conan storyline who was portrayed by the James Earl Jones in the first movie. Aptly fitting, Tulsadoom deliver a barbarous brand of thrash with some tiny little smatterings of black metal sprinkled in for atmosphere. What's more surprising though is if you look at the band, who clearly are fans of Manowar's wardrobe and look, you'd think they'd just want to go out and totally destroy it and be over the top aggressive. While the aggression is there, it is a bit more polished than I had expected, which isn't a bad thing by the way. Clearly fans of old school 80's era thrash, Tulsadoom deliver up 11 tracks of barbarian approved metal. The vocals have a gruff, Celtic Frost feel to them with some chanted group choruses thrown in.

The album pulls heavily from the Conan universe, shocking I know, with its lyrical themes and concepts. Tracks like "Skulls", "Riders of Doom" and "Tyranfall" are just straight up headbanging tracks whose sole intent are to get you banging your head as frantically as you possibly can. Tracks like "Shadows over Lemuria", "Dustlands" and "Subraion Xan" utilize a bit of keyboard and digital wankery to throw you off before returning to the thrash. While it does mention that there are black metal elements in the band, I couldn't really pick up on any obvious elements through my two listens of the album, so if it's there it is hidden like the crypts of Crom.

All in all the album was a pretty solid listen, though a bit different due to slightly inaccurate labeling. But what isn't to like about polished, heavy ass thrash with the emphasis being on heavy? Clearly Tulsadoom have developed a fairly loyal following and after listening to "Storms" it is clear to see the reasoning behind that. If you are looking for a nostalgically modern thrash album that also throws in some epic qualities at times, then Tulsadoom is the band for you. So pick up your steel, strap on your gauntlets, and throw yourself into the Storm.