Posted on: October 14, 2009 Posted by: anfnewsacct Comments: 0

Thunderstone is one of the most acclaimed modern power metal bands. The Finnish quintet lead by mastermind Nino Laurenne debuted on the metal scene in 2001, and since then released five full-length albums. “The Burning”, Thunderstone’s sophomore offering, is still considered as one of their best works, showcasing a perfect blend of speedy riffs, bursting solos and mind-blowing vocals…

“The Burning” was released by Nuclear Blast Records on January 19th, 2004. The album’s content was much more complex and heavier than on the debut, mostly thanks to an improved composing process, which focused more on teamwork. “This whole thing in the beginning was my project. On the second album you can tell that it’s more of a band effort.” – said Laurenne – “On the second disc I wanted the band to be heavier so maybe that’s the reason we have moved away from the sound of Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius.” The heavier material made vocalist Pasi Rantanen change his vocal style to a much more harsh and powerful one. The album showcased much progress compared to the previous offering. There were still some of Thunderstone’s trademark mid-tempo songs to be found (such as the excellent opener “Until We Touch The Burning Sun” or “Mirror Never Lies”), but now they were accompanied by some really fast power metal masterpieces (“Tin Star Man”, “Break The Emotions”, “Evil Within”), as well as a beautifully lyrical ballad – “Sea of Sorrow”. Also, the track “Drawn to the Flame” featured a guest performance by Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo.

Metal Mind Productions will re-release “The Burning” on 5th October in Europe and 1st December in USA (via MVD). New digipak edition includes 6 bonus tracks and is limited to 2000 copies. Digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on a golden disc.

Thunderstone
“The Burning” (remastered + bonus tracks)

Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. No.: MASS CD 1335 DG
Barcode: 5907785035539
Format: CD Digipak (limited edition of 2000 numbered copies)
Genre: power metal
Release date: 01.12.2009 USA

Tracklist:

1. Until We Touch The Burning Sun
2. Break The Emotion
3. Mirror Never Lies
4. Tin Star Man
5. Spire
6. Sea Of Sorrow
7. Side By Side
8. Drawn To The Flame
9. Forth Into The Black
10. Evil Within

Bonus Tracks:
11. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
12. Diamonds And Rust
13. Heart Of Steel
14. Let The Demons Free (Demo Version)
15. Voice In A Dream (Demo Version)
16. Me, My Enemy (Demo Version)

Bio
The history of Thunderstone began in early 2000, when former Antidote guitarist Nino Laurenne decided to form his own musical project. After recording a demo at his home studio and hearing the potential hidden in the music, Laurenne decided to transform the project into a full-time band. First he contacted former Antidote band mate Titus Hjelm (bass/backing vocals) and then recruited additional members: Mirka Rantanen (drums) and Pasi Rantanen (vocals). The last cog to fit the Thunderstone machine was keyboardist Kari Tornack, who joined the band in summer 2001. The line-up recorded a 5-song demo and in fall 2001 managed to catch the attention of one of the most acclaimed labels in Europe – Nuclear Blast Records. After securing the deal, Thunderstone entered Laurenne’s own Sonic Pump Studios to record the material for their debut album. Mixed at Finnvox Studios by Mikko Karmila (Children of Bodom, Amorphis) and released in June 2002, the self-titled debut offering became quite a success on the Finnish metal scene. The album delivered a heavy dose of Stratovarius-inspired power metal, with Timo Tollki himself appearing as a guest on one of the songs (“Like Father, Like Son”). After being called “Newcomer of the Year” by Rock Hard Magazine, Thunderstone went on a successful tour supporting Stratovarius and Symphony X.
After the touring had ended, the band returned to the Sonic Pump Studios to record a follow-up to their debut album. The production duties were once again taken up by Nino Laurenne, who commented on this in an interview for Metal Rules webzine: “It was very natural for me to produce this album. It was my studio so we could record when we wanted and for however long we wanted.” Finally, “The Burning” was released by Nuclear Blast Records on January 19th, 2004. The album’s content was much more complex and heavier than on the debut, mostly thanks to an improved composing process, which focused more on teamwork. “This whole thing in the beginning was my project. On the second album you can tell that it’s more of a band effort.” – said Laurenne – “On the second disc I wanted the band to be heavier so maybe that’s the reason we have moved away from the sound of Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius.” The heavier material made vocalist Pasi Rantanen change his vocal style to a much more harsh and powerful one. As Laurenne confirmed: “I think that the songs are heavier so the vocals have to be heavier. After the tour we realized that his voice changed a lot because of the constant touring and the amount of singing he was doing.” The album showcased much progress compared to the previous offering. There were still some of Thunderstone’s trademark mid-tempo songs to be found (such as the excellent opener “Until We Touch The Burning Sun” or “Mirror Never Lies”), but now they were accompanied by some really fast power metal masterpieces (“Tin Star Man”, “Break The Emotions”, “Evil Within”), as well as a beautifully lyrical ballad – “Sea of Sorrow”. Also, the track “Drawn to the Flame” featured a guest performance by Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo.
The album was supposed to be promoted by an excessive tour with Iced Earth, but the tour was cancelled at the last moment. Instead, Thunderstone managed to catch a string of shows alongside Alex Rudi Pell, crowning the successful year by performing at one of biggest metal festivals in Europe – Wacken Open Air in Germany.
In the following years Thunderstone released two more albums – “Tools of Destruction” (April 2005) and “Evolution 4.0” (March 2007), before drastically changing the line-up in 2007 and then 2008. The group’s newest release, “Dirt Metal”, is scheduled for September 2009.
Today, Thunderstone is considered as one of the best bands on the modern power metal scene. With “The Burning”, the group ultimately defined their musical style, adding all the necessary components to create a true metal powerhouse! This exclusive re-release brings one of Thunderstone’s finest albums to date and is simply a must have for all power metal fans worldwide!

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