TORNADO are definitely a unique prospect. The band lays down a thrashified form of classic heavy metal/hard rock that will definitely mainly appeal to fans of thrash but also has tons of fun in it, touching on many classic hard rock motifs both sonically and lyrically. Add to this the fact that Tornado features dudes from several European locales who like to go by fun nicknames and it comes together to create one unique entity.

“It creates a challenge for us in regards to the fact that we are not able to just go out and play locally,” says vocalist “Superstar” Joey Severance. “But then again, I hardly think that other bands who are all one unit in the same place even play locally. The metal scene has changed drastically over the years, but in regards to writing, (guitarist) Big Maaaaan and I did all of it but with the advancement of technology, bands are able to get their ideas across to each other without having to all be in the same place at the same time.”

That disconnect doesn’t come through on the band’s debut full-length, the excellently titled Amsterdamn, Hellsinki, which sounds like nothin’ but a good time, like the sound of a band determined to bring some more fun back into metal. Which wouldn’t be too far from the truth.

“I feel there is a lot missing from today’s metal scene and, yes, fun would be at the very top of the list,” says Severance. “I mean, come on. This is rock ‘n’ roll and while the message itself is very serious in nature, we’re people that like to have a good time and we like to surround ourselves with other people that like to have a good time.”

In regards to that album name, Severance said it came from his concept of the cover.

“That is Amsterdamn, Hellsinki,” he says. “A place for those that feel like they don’t belong. Degenerates, outcast, misfits… people I can identify with.”

Going back to those good times, one way that Tornado are having a good time is by placing tons of subtle winks and tips of the hat to the longhairs that have come before them. Really, the whole album is steeped in homage, as Severance explains.

“Since I am the one writing most of the songs, all of it is just the natural sound but certainly there is loads of homage on the entire album,” he says. “And it was intentional. I’ll give you an example. If you listen to the last verse of ‘Eugenics’ and then go and listen to Suicidal Tendencies’ ‘Suicidal Maniac’ you would find that the vocal phrasing is exact and that was just me giving respect to my man (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES vocalist) Mike Muir. Our album is loaded with things like that, which are very subtle and only the true motherfuckin’ metal maniac will know it when they hear it. In fact, there is some love on there for my Canadian people, Sacrifice. Can you find it?”