Thundersteel

I've always much preferred the harsher, heavier and groovier sound of American power metal. Bands like Queensryche, Crimson Glory and Virgin Steele are some of my favorites. As an admitted fan of USPM, I'm more than ashamed in myself for not listening to this album sooner. This album sports some of the catchiest choruses, the most immensely satisfying riffs, and some of the most magnificent musicianship in any USPM record.

The album starts off on a very high note. The opening track "Thundersteel" reminds me somewhat of the European style of power metal in the speed and riffing style, especially the late Mark Reale's rather neoclassical-sounding guitar solo in the middle of the song. The album at large is extremely varied in terms of emotional evocation. You have slower and more emotional tracks like "Bloodstreets", groovy and epic tracks like "Johnny's Back" and "Sign of the Crimson Storm" and faster tracks like the title track or "Run For Your Life".

While this album doesn't break new ground, most of the songs fitting the bill for your average USPM band, it's done with such grace and skill that you could listen to it for hours on end without getting bored in the least. Intelligent musicianship doesn't have to manifest as long-form songs with weird time signatures and constant tempo changes; it could very simply manifest as immensely catchy riffs and melodies, and that's what Riot and this particular album excel in. Nearly every melody throughout its 46 minute run has the ability to burrow irreparably deep into your head.

The final track, "Buried Alive (The Tell-Tale Heart)", I found rather boring. The first half sets up a great atmosphere, with some clean guitar and bells, but the second half is rather boring and monotonous. It's definitely an experiment in more progressive songwriting, but it falters in the same way many prog bands do: in a song with multiple distinct parts, there's great variety in quality.

Let not that sway you from listening to this album; it is easily one of the best USPM records ever recorded. I highly recommend it!