DAMIEN THORNE - Soul Stealer
October 20, 2015, 8 years ago
(Self-Financed)
Just in time for the 30th anniversary of the Sign Of The Jackal debut, comes album #5. Named for the boy in The Omen (albeit with an addition, ending E), ‘80s era Chicago metallers still going strong, with original members Ken Mandat (guitar) and Rick Browz (bass). Once something of a theatrical occult troupe, the music is now purely high pitch vocalized traditional metal, but with keyboards.
“Hell To Pay” is the pick of the litter, an unabashed speed metal flashback. “Dark Mission” begins with an Apollo 11 conversation between astronauts and mission control, yet in the mid-section becomes slow and progressive, relying on mournful violin, before ending in a fiery guitar flourish and parting words: "The Eagle has landed." Piano opens “Tortured Dreams”, a seemingly Edge Of Thorn era Savatage inspired ballad-turned-rocker. Speaking of keyboards, “Riding To Glory” is kind of a rainbow meets Stryper mash-up, especially Warren Halvarson's voice. Unlike its surroundings, “Salem” rides a heavy, bottom end groove. In the tradition of the best Dio material, the “Tale Of A King” finale begins with sporadic bass notes and otherwise a cappella vocals. Half way through its nearly six minute length, the rest of the band finally joins in, ending on a strong note. Type of stuff the retro loving Germans crave.
